A key component in Christian faith and in Christian service is perseverance.  I applaud those of you who are making personal sacrifices to care for someone you love.  I know there are times when your patience runs out and your are tempted to give up. 

Sir Winston Churchill took three years just to get through the eighth grade because he had trouble learning English.  How ironic and fascinating that many years later Oxford University invited him to give the commencement address at their graduation exercises.  Churchill accepted the invitation and arrived at the university with his usual props, his cane and his top hat.  Those two items accompanied Winston Churchill wherever he went.  When the time came for his speech he approached the podium.  He received a standing ovation!  Placing his cane and his top hat on the podium, he gazed at his waiting audience.  Then came the speech.  With authority, Winston Churchill shouted to those students three words, "NEVER GIVE UP!"  Several seconds passed before Sir Winston rose to his toes and said it again, "NEVER GIVE UP!"  His words thundered dramatically in the students' ears.  There was a deafening silence as Churchill reached for his top hat and cane and walked off the stage.  His commencement address was finished. 

"Never give up!"  That was no doubt the shortest and most eloquent commencement address ever given.  Yet these are the words that should echo in our hearts and minds each time challenges, problems or opportunities come our way.  In Hebrews 12:2, the apostle Paul says, "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."

Prayer:  Loving God, your message is not sent in secret code, but in the plainest and simplest of words.  It is a love letter to us.  Help us to treasure it always, to live in love, and always to expect further messages.  May your mantel of grace fall over the men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Let your love and hope break out like an epidemic.  How great Thou art.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.