Serving a mission as a young man, "one of the important things I learned was that if I faithfully persevered in my church callings, the Lord would open up the way and guide me to other opportunities and blessings, even beyond my dreams."
"Success is usually earned by persevering and not becoming discouraged when we encounter challenges. ... Perseverance is demonstrated by those who keep going when the going gets tough, who don't give up even when others say, 'It can't be done.' "
"Our latter-day prophets are all examples of determination through priesthood, prayer and work." Joseph Smith became the prophet of the Restoration by persevering through constant contempt and ridicule. Brigham Young, under severe circumstances, persevered to bring 60,000 people from comfortable homes to a wilderness which they then tamed.
When President Hinckley was publicly introduced as the president of the church and asked what his focus would be, he said it would be to carry on the great work of his predecessors. President Hinckley has persevered to dedicate 87 temples. "This remarkable achievement in temple building is unequaled in the entire history of the world."
"This is a great theme for all of us. We need to carry on and endure to the end."
"As the Lord said, if we are to be his disciples we must continue in his word. The Lord has blessed the church and its members in remarkable ways because of their faithfulness and perseverance."