I read came across this amazing quote by Augustine, on the subject of persevering grace, while studying today. “Amazing Grace” indeed!

“We are fellow workers with him (God) who does the work, because his mercy goes before us. He goes before us, however, that we may be healed; but then he will also follow us, that being healed we may grow healthy and strong. He goes before us that we may be called; he will follow us so that we may be glorified. He goes before us so that we may lead godly lives; he will follow us so that we may always live with him, because apart from him we can do nothing.”

-Augustine, On Nature and Grace

(see Psalm 59:10, Psalm 23:6)