Did you know?

Did you know that the first electric light was so dim that a candle was needed to see its socket? Did you know that the first light bulb Thomas Edison created only lasted 13.5 hours? It took a few more years for him create a light bulb that lasted 1500 hours. Now he is accredited as the person who invented the light bulb. It was Edison who famously said: I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

Nicholas Joseph Cugnot invented the first self-propelled road vehicle in 1769. It utilized steam engine to power the vehicle. This automobile only travelled 2-4 miles per hour, and it had to stop every 10 to 15 minutes to build up the steam power. People often laughed at Cugnot and they would pass him in their carriages hollering, "Get a horse!" But Cugnot didn't let what people said faze him, he continued to work and revise his design for the rest of his life. Nowadays, Cugnot is written in the history book as the inventor of the first automobile.

The Wright brothers are famously known as the inventors of airplanes. When they first set out to create a flying machine, people laughed and ridiculed them saying it's impossible for humans to fly. But the Wright brothers never let the discouragements stop them, they continued to work on their flying machine. After 12 years of trials and errors, they finally had their first sustained flight that lasted 12 seconds in 1903. Then five years later, Orville made the world's first flight of over one hour in Virginia as a demonstration for the U.S. army.

Now why did I list all these inventors? I listed them not only because I find the history fascinating, but also because all these famous inventors have one characteristic in common, perseverance. They all strove on in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and discouragements. As Christians, perseverance is an important characteristic we need to develop. Why? Because in our faith journey, we are or we will face ridicules, discouragements, and even persecution for our belief. We will face situations where we have to endure and persevere through. Jesus warned us of this,

"and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22

Scary isn't it? But here is the good news. Jesus said in Matthew of those who are persecuted for His name sake,

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11

So next time when you are insulted or persecuted for Jesus's sake, don't be disheartened, remember to stand strong for your reward is waiting for you in heaven.

Like it says in Matthew, all the prophets and apostles were persecuted greatly for their faith. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians of all his sufferings. He described how he has been in prison, flogged, exposed to death, lashed, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, hungry (2 Corinthians 23-28)... I mean the list just goes on and on. I can't even begin to fathom what Paul has been through. My own suffering just seem so pale compare to what Paul has gone through. But here is what Paul wrote in the same letter,

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17

 Like the past inventors facing ridicules and discouragements because of their inventions or their unconventional ideas, we too face jeers and misunderstanding because of our faith. People will make fun of us for the decisions we make, for the lifestyle we choose, for our focus in life... But like the past inventors, we too need to strive on and keep our eyes fixed on what is to come. There is no denying that perseverance is a hard lesson to learn, but it's a pertinent lesson nonetheless. There will be times when we feel alone and frustrated by the discouragements and judgments we face, but remember that we are not actually alone. Our Father in heaven sees everything and He will never leave us to fend for ourselves.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6