King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life.

I think he was able to do this—even through such pain and difficulty—because he was CALLED by God to a godly purpose. 1 Samuel 16 tells the story of his anointing as the future king of Israel.

He knew that God has summoned him to leadership. Therefore, he was able to persevere.

Well, you are also CALLED to a godly purpose. A “calling” isn’t just something for King David—or for other well-known people a long time ago—but for every one who follows Jesus.

In Matthew 4:17 Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” In other words, ‘Turn away from your old life and self-centredness and make me your number one priority. God’s heavenly rule of truth and love is breaking into our lives and world!’

Then in Matthew 28:19-20 he gave this final commission to his disciples: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

You are CALLED to a godly purpose: To be a disciple-making disciple who gets in on the ways Jesus is renovating the world with his truth, forgiveness and love. This gives God glory and you joy!

And that’s true no matter how old you are, what you do, or how much you’ve messed up.

Every relationship needs truth, forgiveness and love. Every vocation needs truth, forgiveness and love. Every plan for today or tomorrow needs truth, forgiveness and love.

King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life because he had a calling from God.

Well, so can you. Because you do too.

The power of perseverance isn’t about taking a beating, but having a calling and being a blessing.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.