Reward of Persisting

Have you ever let one disappointment nearly derail everything you were made for? A brilliant composer’s story stands as a caution in Acts 14.

“When they had preached the gospel … they returned … strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21–22). 

It would be hard to imagine a man with greater potential than Charles-Valentin Alkan. Born in Paris in 1813, he was enrolled in the Paris Conservatory of Music when he was not yet six years old. At seven, he dazzled his audience during his debut concert. Alkan received first prizes in piano at age eleven and harmony when he was fourteen. At fourteen, he published his first composition.

He moved among the elite in Paris, with friends that included Victor Hugo and Frédéric Chopin. His compositions were recognized as works of genius.

But everything changed when he was overlooked for the position of Professor of Piano at the Conservatory. Offended, Alkan withdrew into obscurity. Instead of fulfilling his God-given potential, he became a recluse. When he died in 1888, he was largely forgotten.

All of us will experience criticism, be hurt by words spoken by others, or feel robbed of the recognition we think we deserve. At times like these, we could give up or become bitter or frustrated, depressed or angry.

But the Bible encourages us to react like Paul and Barnabas who, when facing angry crowds, remained persistent and faithful.

Don’t be discouraged if you face hardships or criticism. Remember, God is with you. He has given you gifts as well as opportunities to use them. Stay faithful. Stay firm. Be persistent in serving Him.

Reflection Question: Recall a time you chose to persist when circumstances were hard to swallow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Alkan after he was passed over for the Conservatory position?

He largely withdrew from public performance and society, and though he continued composing, he died in relative obscurity in 1888—his music was only widely rediscovered decades later.

How is Alkan’s story different from Paul and Barnabas’s response to opposition in Acts 14?

Paul and Barnabas kept going after facing hostility and encouraged others to persevere; Alkan’s withdrawal illustrates the opposite response to disappointment, which is why the devotional holds it up as a caution.

What’s a healthy way to process being overlooked or passed over?

Acknowledge the hurt honestly rather than suppressing it, but resist letting one disappointment define your future usefulness—scripture consistently frames setbacks as part of a longer story, not the end of it.