Tenacity

Chris told me I needed to post an update, so darling, this is for you.

Tenacity

Matthew 15:25 “But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, "Lord, help me!" (NLT)

Tenacity can be defined as being constantly in action, not just in motion. It requires faith, willingness to continue until the job is done and not quitting when you are tired.

October 2011 found two important steps of the long journey in the doctorate process completed. Really that does not appear to be much of anything until one understands some of the statistics that accompany those steps. The doctorate program that I am currently pursuing has three main steps after being accepted into the program (and that is a hurdle in itself). The steps are:
1. Successfully passing 16 classes;
2. Passing the comprehensive exam;
3. Successfully writing and defending one’s dissertation.

The statistics that accompany the first two steps are what makes completing those steps so meaningful. First off, in the United States, less than one percent of the population has a doctorate degree. Not quite 50% who enter the program successfully pass the sixteen classes. Only 20% who take the comprehensive exam, pass.

For the past 2 ½ years I have questioned at least once a week what I was doing in this program. The challenges have been staggering, pushing me beyond what I have ever known. Tears, doubt, and discouragement have been constant companions. However, encouragement came through Chris who has yet to cast any doubt on me completing the program, through my mom who has prayed for me daily, and through my kids who ask how it is going. I push on through with tenacity that has served me well in my educational endeavors, but most of all through the strength that has flowed from the Lord. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13); my life verse, the one I cling to and claim in this journey.

So, what do you need to be tenacious about? Trust the Father; He will give you strength.

Digging deeper: 2 Timothy 4:17; Psalm 18:29b; Hebrews 10:23b; Proverbs 4:12