Life will bring troubles and trials, failures and frustrations, defeats and doubts. The great accomplishment in life is not avoiding setbacks or scrapes, but getting up every time we are knocked down. Significance in life doesn’t always go to the smartest or the fastest or the most creative, but to determined people who resolve to bounce back.
The world can tell us that trying is foolish. Or that quitting is the best option. Hope whispers: “Give it another try.” Hope knows something the world doesn’t: Overcoming obstacles and defeating difficulties is simultaneously rewarding and life-giving.
Each of us can overcome, persevere, and persist. We can say something like: “I give up” or “I gave it my best shot”. Or we can say something like: “I may not be there yet, but I’m a whole lot closer than I was yesterday.” Nothing great has ever been attained by those who have given up at adversity’s first appearance. Greatness is reserved only for those who have sweated, sacrificed, suffered, and stuck to it. Think about this: the mighty oak tree was at one time a little acorn.
Problems and trials in life aren’t God’s fault. Most likely they are your fault, the fault of another, bad luck, or a combination of the three. But God will use life’s problems to strengthen us and glorify Him.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us. –Romans 5:3-5
Problems and trials develop endurance, strength, character, and hope. Problems and trials can provide both human and Divine resources prosperity simply can’t develop.
Think of the problems and trials you are currently facing in life. The little ones and the big ones. Maybe it’s money. Or a relationship or two. Or a dream that hasn’t come true. Or weight that needs to be lost. Or a project that needs to be finished. You have two choices: To be overcome or to overcome. To do the easy thing or the right thing. To quit or to continue.
Pray for God to help. Seek the assistance of others. Think of the long-term good rather than short-term convenience. And remember the postage stamp: stick to it and you will eventually get there. And nothing quite exists in life like getting there.
The best is yet to come…
Craig
2 comments:
Thank you... I needed to read and absorb those wise words. Perseverance is continuing grace.
Reading your words this morning was "just what the doctor ordered". I have been working on losing weight for the past year and this weekend was really difficult with food obligations. Thank you for reminding me to persevere. I like thinking of the postage stamp - I needed your words today. God bless you for all you do and say.
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