Perseverance: Power for Results

By William G. Covington Jr. PhD

With the current social upheaval in the world today, some individuals seem to become exhausted with life choices and goals, leading people not to pursue their dreams. Grit is missing from our society. However, there is an answer to achieving one's objectives and improving as individuals. Indeed, the answer is God, who helps us, as Christians, overcome obstacles, and reach our full potential, to serve God, who gives us the perseverance in overcoming earthly barriers.

Dr. William G. Covington, Jr, provides a template to follow, which combines Bible teachings and other forms of application, such as extensive research, theory, and real-world applications, to negate the psychological noise that continues to impede our progress as both Christians and Homo Sapiens. Dr. Covington's book, Perseverance: The power that gets results, he challenges the reader to remove toxic thoughts through Biblical readings, which transform individuals in reaching their full potentials through the Word of God.

The book highlights how by submitting to God, we as Christians, develop into warriors on earth, who can both design, and transform ourselves and others, through perseverance, which allows us to be free, and practice Christian principles, thus overcoming earthly obstacles. Implementing these practices allows for a paradigm shift in a world that tells us we can achieve goals without effort. This is especially valid in our modern-day world of social media technologies, which informs society; technology can take something complicated and make it accessible by only exerting minimal effort. Dr. Covington's timely book showcases that through the combination of God's Word's and principles, and incorporating these principles into His followers' lives, Dr. Covington creates a reality that develops character and submission to God.

This is an inspirational book that is timely for a generation that needs God's teachings. These principles, which urge us, as individuals, to preserve through this world and develop our characters, by changing the template, from instant gratification to working diligently to overcome roadblocks, which produce success. Dr. Covington's book helps to create people equipped to sustain and prosper in modern society, thus building a robust, Christian world, where individuals are unafraid of meeting this legacy, by removing toxic thoughts through perseverance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781663215574

William G. Covington Jr. PhD

Dr. William G. Covington, Jr. has taught at the college/university level in Missouri, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. He has held seminars in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Dr. Covington has a PhD from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, a M.S. in Human Environmental Science from the University of Alabama, a MED from the University of Missouri, a BA and MA from what is now the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has done additional graduate work at the University of Kansas. For speaking engagements contact Dr. Covington at [e-mail]

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Copyright © 2021 William G. Covington, Jr., PhD.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-1556-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-1557-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020925764

iUniverse rev. date: 04/26/2021

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 Perseverance An Overview

Chapter 2 The Process Of Perseverance

Chapter 3 Perseverance And Character Development

Chapter 4 Humility And Perseverance

Chapter 5 Perseverance In Reading

Chapter 6 Perseverance In Prayer

Chapter 7 Perseverance In The Creative Process

Chapter 8 Perseverance In Career Development

Chapter 9 Perseverance At The Individual Level

Chapter 10 Perseverance And The Supernatural

Chapter 11 Perseverance With An Eye Toward Eternity

Chapter 1 Reflection Questions

Chapter 2 Reflection Questions

Chapter 3 Reflection Questions

Chapter 4 Reflection Questions

Chapter 5 Reflection Questions

Chapter 6 Reflection Questions

Chapter 7 Reflection Questions

Chapter 8 Reflection Questions

Chapter 9 Reflection Questions

Chapter 10 Reflection Questions

Chapter 11 Reflection Questions

FOREWORD

With the current social upheaval, some individuals seem to become exhausted with life choices and goals in the world today, leading people not to pursue their dreams. Grit is missing from our society. However, there is an answer to achieving one’s objectives and improving as individuals. Indeed, the answer is God, who helps us, as Christians, overcome obstacles, and reach our full potential, to serve God, who gives us the perseverance in overcoming earthly barriers.

Dr. William G. Covington, Jr, provides a template to follow, which combines Bible teachings and other forms of application, such as extensive research, theory, and real-world applications, to negate the psychological noise, which continues to impede, our progress, as both Christians and Homo Sapiens. Dr. Covington’s book, Perseverance: The power that gets results, he challenges the reader to remove toxic thoughts through Biblical readings, which transform individuals in reaching their full potentials through the Word of God.

The book highlights how by submitting to God, we as Christians develop into warriors on earth, who can both design, and transform ourselves and others through perseverance, which allows freedom, and the practice of Christian principles, thus overcoming earthly obstacles. Implementing these practices allows for a paradigm shift in a world that informs us we can achieve goals without arduous effort. This is especially valid, in our modern-day world, of social media technologies, which informs society; technology can take something complicated and make it accessible by only exerting minimal effort. Dr. Covington’s timely book showcases that through the combination of God’s Word and principles and incorporating these principles into His followers’ lives, Dr. Covington creates a reality that develops character and submission to God.

This is an inspirational book that is timely for a generation that needs God’s teachings. These principles, which urge us, as individuals, to preserve through this world and develop our characters by changing the template, from instant gratification to working assiduously, to overcome roadblocks, which produce success. Dr. Covington’s book helps to create people equipped to sustain and prosper in modern society, thus building a robust, Christian world, where individuals are not passive in meeting this legacy by removing toxic thoughts through perseverance.

Anthony Esposito, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Communication, Journalism, and Media Department

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Edinboro, PA 16444

PREFACE

Read any biography. Life isn’t easy and never has been. Each generation has its own set of challenges. People who desire to leave a worthwhile legacy and fulfill their God-given destiny want mental and spiritual tools that work—the lead to results. This book discusses one of those tools, perseverance. Essentially the principle is the refusal to give up in spite of circumstances.

How this principle has been applied in various contexts provides inspiration for how this force for achievement can be applied in the context a person faces in his or her current season of life. Academic studies are cited that provide data on how this principle has been verified to reach desired outcomes. Data from brain research is included, discussing how chemicals within a person are affected by mental processes for good or ill. A person can control his or her thoughts and does not have to be a victim of whatever thoughts are within range of perception.

Examples from history and the Bible are included. Tables provide an easy to view visual of some of the key concepts addressed. This principle is taken to an eternal perspective as the supernatural and eternal contexts are included. The application of perseverance—refusing to give up—is part of the life of stewardship to God if it is applied to His purposes.

William G. Covington, Jr. PhD

Monroe, LA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We all need other people. As I was writing this book, various people came to mind who have helped me during this stage of my life’s journey. They may not have directly provided input into the content of this book, but they were part of my support system for this life’s season so I felt it was appropriate to mention them as this work goes to press.

My parents, William Sr and Edith Covington have passed from this life to the next, but their influence and legacy live through me and the other lives they touched before passing. I owe a tremendous debt to them for the Christian example I inherited from them. Similarly, my brother Gary Covington was always a source of encouragement. He lived the principle of perseverance as he accomplished significant goals in adverse circumstances professionally, academically and overall in general in life.

Sarah Kelley has always been an encourager. She has promoted book-signing and events I’ve held over the years. Barbara Godwin is a neighbor who has lifted my spirit numerous times. Her son and daughter-in-law Bill and Cindy Lofton have also continually provided positive feedback to me, as has their son, Isaac. Kalan Albritton has been a help numerous times to my family and me in myriad ways. Tom and Mary Anderson helped me through a very difficult time, along with Cyndi and Paula.

I don’t see Dorothy and Russell Spaulding much as are involved in a Christian TV ministry on the South Carolina/Georgia border, but over the years they have always been open to whatever I had going on. Donna Payne is another encourager who reinforces the right kind of thoughts in my mind via social media. Gloria Colbaugh does the same thing. Although I’ve never met Pastor Herman Tranter or Kimberly Nyberg in person, I’ve received meaningful input from them via social media over the years from them that warrants mentioning them in this section. Ted Foster is a positive in-person force for good.

Wesley, Sharon and W. L. Glidewell have been there for me in a whole host of ways over an extended period of time. Donna Minter is more than a real estate agent. She has been used by God to say the most apropos bits of wisdom when needed the most. From the first time I met her, Charlotte Ann Gerhardt has said the most encouraging things in out conversations. Mike Reed is another constant force for good. Although I don’t see him often either, every time I do it seems he give me a shot of positive energy with his words. There are others, including my PhD advisor from Bowling Green State University, Dr. Douglas Ferguson.

Julia Tootie Tipton is an ongoing source of encouragement. Len McCaa imparts that gift as well. The late night crew at the West Monroe truck stop where I frequently do my studying and reding, Christy, Rhonda, Tyler and Josh also feed my mind with encouraging interactions. Carolyn Wheat is a gifted encourager who deserves to be mentioned also. Charlotte Ann Gerhardt is a perpetual encourager. Wayne and Ruth Dowdy are too. Pastor Joel and Susan Brackett listened to me when I needed it and my life has been enhanced by their friendship. Juanita Burke did a thoroughly professional job in editing the manuscript in a timely manner. Any errors that remain, however, are mine. This list of people who have planted encouragement in my life could go on and on, but for now, I’ll leave it at this.

More than anyone I thank my Lord, Jesus Christ. I could do nothing without Him. I hope this book isn’t all wood, hay, and stubble, but will have some value as part of my life’s work on that day.

CHAPTER 1

Perseverance An Overview

Perseverance leads to outcomes that enhance the quality of life.

Some facts, when known and applied get results. Unlike myths and superstitions, truth is built on a solid foundation and works regardless of the culture, circumstances, or individuals involved. The intangible force discussed in this book is valid in any location and at any point in time. Popularity doesn’t make something effective. The public can easily be deceived. The principle which is the topic of this book is based on reality and has a track record that can be traced to successful application by individuals in various locations and different points in history.

Results bring satisfaction if the goal is worthwhile. Confidence for subsequent work is built on the completion of previous projects. People’s lives are enhanced when a creator writes a book, produces a television show, or invents a product that lessens one’s workload. The creative process necessary to bring about such a result is what will be explored in this lucubration in the hopes that projects will grow out of this reflective examination that will lead to exciting creative outcomes that will touch lives in positive ways that will bring satisfaction to creators and consumers alike.

Unpleasant twists and turns cannot be ignored on the journey to success. Examples of achievers commonly include frustrating