Never Give Up

 Ken Burns’ documentary about Mohammed Ali contains an interesting and pivotal moment that might have determined the destiny of the young athlete. 21-year-old Cassius Clay had finally  obtained his dream, a match with the heavy weight champion of the world, Sonny Liston. After 3 rounds, Liston and his corner were shocked at the young fighter’s toughness.  Entering the 4^th round many believe Liston’s handlers smeared his gloves and shoulders with an ointment that would burn his opponent’s eyes.  Clay stumbled to his corner unable to see. He begged his trainer, Angelo Dundee to cut off his gloves. He was done. He couldn’t continue. 

 Instead, when the bell rang, Dundee pulled him to his feet and shoved him into the ring. His eyes cleared and he unleashed a barrage of withering blows to Liston’s face, opening a gash around his left eye. After the 6^th Liston refused to rise from his stool. Cassius Clay was crowned heavy weight champion and a week later changed his name. Had Dundee removed his gloves and allowed him to quit the world might have never known Mohammed Ali.

 Few elements are as important to success as the determination to continue, to refuse to give up.  How many victories have been lost because the competitor lost the will to continue? How many marriages have failed because a husband or a wife decided to walk away? How many dreams have vanished because a student, an artist, an entrepreneur decided to quit? 

 Winston Churchill, the WW II Prime Minister of England is best known for his determination.  Standing alone against the onslaught of Nazi Germany’s onslaught,  he issued this challenge in 1941, “...never give in, never give in, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

 The Scripture has a great deal to say about the importance of endurance and perseverance. James wrote, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him,” (James 1:12).  Paul wrote, “We celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but ^[we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope,” (Romans 5:2-4).  Peter said, “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love,” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

 Like Moses enduring 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.  Like the Apostle Paul imprisoned, beaten, and left for dead.  Like Elijah driven to despair, we must all face moments of discouragement, tests that will determine our destiny.  We must never quit. Never give in. We must endure to the end looking to Jesus who endured the ultimate suffering and shame that we might be “more than conquerors,” (Romans 8:37).