The Power of Persistence: Why Success Often Comes to Those Who Keep Going

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

— Calvin Coolidge

That quote by former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge cuts through all the noise. It reminds us that success rarely belongs to the most talented, educated, or gifted. More often than not, it belongs to those who simply refuse to quit.

The World Rewards the One Who Keeps Going

One of the most powerful modern-day examples of persistence is Colonel Harland Sanders. At age 65, with nothing but a fried chicken recipe and a dream, he went door to door pitching his idea. He was rejected over 1,000 times before someone finally said yes.

That “yes” launched Kentucky Fried Chicken and turned an aging entrepreneur into a global icon.

Other examples include:

• Thomas Edison, who famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

• J.K. Rowling, living on welfare and rejected by 12 publishers, who persisted and eventually launched the Harry Potter series.

These stories remind us of a powerful truth: Persistence beats rejection—every single time.

Biblical Lessons in Perseverance

The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who kept going when everything in them said to quit.

Noah

He spent decades building an ark in the middle of dry land. People mocked him—but he kept building because God had spoken.

Joseph

He was betrayed, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. But he didn’t give up. In time, God raised him up to lead a nation and save millions.

Paul

Shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned—yet he never stopped preaching the Gospel.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Persistence is not just a character trait—it’s a spiritual discipline. It’s trusting God even when the results haven’t come yet.

Persistence in Business, Calling, and Life

If you’ve ever started a business, launched a project, stepped out in faith, or tried to build something meaningful—you know how easy it is to want to quit.

There are times when:

• The phone doesn’t ring.

• The money doesn’t come.

• The support doesn’t show up.

But those are the moments when persistence matters most.

I’ve had those seasons too—where doubt creeps in and it feels like giving up would be easier. But every time, God reminds me: Keep going. Your work matters. Your calling matters.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

— James 1:2–3

God uses delay and difficulty to shape us. The waiting seasons are not wasted—they are preparing us for something greater.

Don’t Quit. You’re Closer Than You Think.

You may not feel like you’re making progress right now. You may feel tired, discouraged, or even disqualified.

But remember this: The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is often one thing—persistence.

Keep showing up.

Keep believing.

Keep trusting God.

You’re closer than you think.

Final Thoughts

If this post encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded not to give up. And if you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a ministry, or a better life—I’d love to hear about it.

Leave a comment below: What are you working on that requires persistence right now?