The year was 1941, and the guest speaker at the university commencement exercises was one of the world’s most famous men. A large crowd had assembled to hear what words of wisdom he would impart to the young graduates. Greatly respected for his courage, leadership, and obstinate refusal to yield to the onslaught of the Nazi armed forces, Winston Churchill had shown indomitable persistence that served as a heroic example to Britain and other nations in the free world. 

Churchill’s speech that day strongly emphasized persistence. “Never give in,” he said. “Never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty.” Although he spoke more than 700 words, his emphasis on this was so strong that his speech became widely known to consist of only five words: “Never, never, never give up.” 

Christians are engaged in an ongoing spiritual war. We have similar words of admonition from our Leader, who Himself has persisted and overcome a far more powerful and ruthless adversary. 

“If ye continue in my word . . . ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 3:31-32) Notice that the promise in this verse is for those who continue. In other words—never give up! The freedom we gain is from the enemy of our souls, a far greater oppressor than any human tyrant this world has ever known. 

My grandmother used to say, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Nowhere is this more critical than in our spiritual life. 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

~ Pete Lewis