The Man Who Wouldn’t Quit
When we read about Paul in the New Testament, one thing is clear: this was a man who refused to give up. Shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, betrayed, even left for dead…Paul experienced it all. Yet nothing stopped him from pressing on toward the calling God gave him. He kept moving forward because his strength wasn’t grounded in his circumstances but in Christ. That’s why he could write to the Corinthians, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)
As men, we know life has a way of throwing haymakers. From family pressures and career struggles to temptation and discouragement, there’s always a new challenge around the bend, and none of us get through this fight without taking some hits. Paul’s life shows us that when we fully embrace God’s purposes for us, the perseverance that results will enable us to stand firm in faith no matter how many blows rain down on our shoulders.
Strength in Weakness
One of the most surprising things about Paul is how often he admitted his personal weakness. He didn’t pretend to have it all together. In fact, though he struggled with a persistent “thorn in the flesh” that was never removed, he wrote that God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) That’s the opposite of the message most men grow up hearing. We’re told to prove ourselves, flex our strength, and never let anyone see the cracks. “What do you mean you have a thorn? No, you don’t! Man up!” But Paul reminds us that true perseverance isn’t built on self-reliance. It’s built on acknowledging our own failures and leaning hard into God’s grace.
When life presses us, we can be tempted to tough it out on our own. Paul shows us a better way. He boasted in his weakness, not to make himself look bad but to show how powerful Christ is. That’s where his endurance came from. When we admit we can’t do it alone, that’s when God steps in with strength we never had.
Perseverance for the Long Haul
Paul never treated perseverance like a quick sprint. He framed it as a lifelong race, one that demanded grit, discipline, and focus. He encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), words that carry the imagery of an athlete or a soldier pushing through exhaustion and pain for a greater goal.
We need that mindset too. Perseverance in marriage, parenting, leadership, or even personal holiness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s cultivated through daily choices, prayer, and the encouragement of brothers walking beside us. Like Paul, we need to keep our eyes on the eternal prize rather than our temporary discomforts.
Encouragement for Brothers Today
Paul’s story gives us both a challenge and an assurance The challenge is clear: following Christ faithfully will cost us something. Paul’s scars prove that. But the assurance is even greater: no suffering, setback, or season of weakness can cut us off from the strength of Christ.
When we feel like quitting, Paul’s testimony reminds us that perseverance isn’t reserved for the “spiritual giants.” It’s for ordinary men who trust an extraordinary God. Perseverance looks like one foot in front of the other, day after day, until the race is done.
Keep Running!
Brother, if Paul could finish the race after everything he endured, we can too. Not because we’re strong enough, but because Christ is. The same Spirit that sustained Paul lives in us today. The “How?” is simple: don’t stop running. Keep pressing forward. Perseverance is forged in the fire, and God uses it to shape us into men who reflect the strength and faithfulness of Christ.
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At Man in the Mirror, we believe no man should have to run this race alone. Our mission is to equip men everywhere to grow in biblical manhood through discipleship, mentoring, and resources designed to strengthen our walk with Christ. Visit our website to find tools and support to keep you persevering in faith.
