Deteriorated Stonelwork
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In the world of sports, the Tour de France is a grueling test of endurance, a race that demands both physical and mental fortitude. One rider who embodies perseverance in this challenging competition is Joop Zoetemelk.
Over five attempts wearing the coveted yellow jersey, Zoetemelk consistently performed at a high level, participating in numerous editions of the race before finally achieving his long-awaited victory in 1980[1][3]. His career is marked by persistence and resilience, even in the face of strong competition and setbacks, most notably from the sport's greatest champion, Eddy Merckx[1][3].
Zoetemelk's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite finishing second multiple times before his victory, he never gave up, demonstrating a long-term determination that is crucial in such a demanding sport[1][3]. The Tour de France, with its grueling stages over mountains, tests the limits of human endurance, and Zoetemelk's ability to remain competitive through many editions underscores the fortitude required to succeed in high-profile endurance sports[1][3].
In life, too, perseverance is a key to success. As the metaphor of the persistent widow illustrates, persistence can lead to victory, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds[2]. God encourages us not to miss opportunities due to lack of perseverance. He continues to bless us, even when results may not be immediate[4].
Neglecting activities like prayer, reading the Bible, witnessing to others, serving, or attending church with statements like "It is no good, it is not worth it" can lead to failure. However, we can continue to attempt, even after multiple failures, to construct our lives according to God's will[5].
Zoetemelk's victory at the age of 38, after years of top-level competition, serves as a reminder that perseverance is a special ladder called "Never give up." It is through perseverance that we can build the future, even with worn-out stones[6].
This article was published in Evangelical Focus[7].
References:
[1] "Joop Zoetemelk." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Feb. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joop_Zoetemelk.
[2] "Parable of the Persistent Widow." Bible Gateway, Bible Gateway, 2021, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A1-8&version=NIV.
[3] "Joop Zoetemelk: The Dutch Rider Who Won the Tour de France." Cycling Weekly, Cycling Weekly, 18 July 2019, www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/joop-zoetemelk-dutch-rider-won-tour-de-france-365961.
[4] "Perseverance." Bible Gateway, Bible Gateway, 2021, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A3-5&version=NIV.
[5] "Perseverance." Bible Gateway, Bible Gateway, 2021, www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A17-20&version=NIV.
[6] "Joop Zoetemelk." Evangelical Focus, Evangelical Focus, 15 July 2019, evangelicalfocus.com/church-life/joop-zoetemelk-the-dutch-rider-who-won-the-tour-de-france/.
[7] "Joop Zoetemelk." Evangelical Focus, Evangelical Focus, 15 July 2019, evangelicalfocus.com/church-life/joop-zoetemelk-the-dutch-rider-who-won-the-tour-de-france/.
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