In 2005, an unlikely dance team was formed when ballerina Ma Li met bicyclist Zhai Xiaowei and the two practiced to perform together for a national dance competition. The amazing part? Ma Li is missing her right arm, and Zhai Xiaowei is missing his left leg, yet the two performed in beautiful unity!


When ballerina Ma Li lost her right arm in a car accident as a teenager, her life was shattered. Her boyfriend left her, and she was forced to suddenly re-learn everyday physical tasks. Life was not easy, but she persevered and eventually returned to ballet. In 2005, she met Special Olympics bicyclist Zhai Xiaowei, who had lost his left leg as a child in a farming accident. The two came together and, with incredible perseverance and hours of practice, began preparing to compete nationally. Their performance was an inspiration to thousands, not only for its beauty, but also for their example of persistence in the face of difficult odds.

In scripture, the apostle James also reminds us to persevere. He points to our examples in biblical history, from the prophets to Job. “We count them blessed who endure,” he says. The blessings of persistence aren’t immediate. As Christians walking with God in a sinful world, we often face frustration, temptation, and even suffering. It requires perseverance to choose right in the face of wrong, especially when wrong seems like the easy choice. But God promises compassion and mercy. When we choose persistence like Mai Li and Zhai Xiaowei in the face of difficult odds, we will also see a beautiful ending to our story.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. James 5:10Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11