Today is the birthday of one whom many consider to be the greatest president in USAmerican history - Abraham Lincoln. A man of immeasurable influence and, despite his untimely demise, a man of great success.
But was he always successful? A quick rundown of his life’s highlights (or lowlights) is revealing:
1816: His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
1818: His mother died.
1831: Failed in business.
1832: Ran for state legislature - lost.
1832: Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
1833: Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
1834: Ran for state legislature again - won.
1835: Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
1836: Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
1838: Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated.
1840: Sought to become elector - defeated.
1843: Ran for Congress - lost.
1846: Ran for Congress again - this time he won.
1848: Ran for re-election to Congress - lost.
1849: Sought the job of land officer in his home state of Illinois - rejected.
1854: Ran for Senate of the United States - lost.
1856: Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention - got less than 100 votes.
1858: Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost.
1860: Elected president of the United States.
It’s absolutely amazing what Lincoln’s perseverance accomplished. Lincoln knew something many people don’t. God places a high value on perseverance through life’s difficulties.
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. But perseverance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
– James 1:2-4
Consider the stick-to-it-ive-ness of our 16th President, and take heart!