Life IS...Sample

Life IS... Not Quitting

How many times have you said to yourself, "I'm not good enough" or "I can't do that," and you give up and quit?  Today, I want to challenge you to reprogram your thoughts and make Philippians 4:13 part of your daily affirmation, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

A dream deferred is not a dream denied.

The Bible is full of examples of spiritual heroes who received a word from God long before they were ready for it to be fulfilled. As they waited for God's timing, they matured in their faith, obeyed and trusted Him and His timing. 

Some were quick to respond when He presented them with their purpose-filled assignment. Others chose to disobey completely, impatiently took matters into their own hands, or deferred obedience. 

Is that true for us today?

So often in this race called life, we find ourselves giving up on our dreams.  Typically, we tend to give up because they either take too long to manifest (we don't like God's timing), or the required sacrifice is too much.  The latter was true for me.  

I knew the time had come to start focusing more on my writing and publishing my book.  I got excited when I finally began to set goals and establishing timelines.

During the writing process, I started getting up early enough each morning to spend time working on the book and to set goals that I wanted to accomplish for myself.  As my profession is very demanding, I knew I would have to make some sacrifices along the way to get the book done.  As time went on, work became more demanding, and I found excuses not to write something every day.

Before I knew it, days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and eventually, my writing stopped altogether.

One morning, I suddenly awoke to hear what I believe was the Holy Spirit lovingly say, "get up now and start writing because the doors of opportunity are starting to close." 

Everything is about preparation and timing. God has a set time for everything in our lives to happen.  I knew I didn't want that door of opportunity to close. I got up with a renewed determination to get my book done. In doing so, this book has opened up doors that I never imagined and has been a blessing to many people. 

Do not quit on yourself or your God-ordained dreams...keep going.  He will give you the stamina and strength you need. The reward that awaits you at the finish line is worth the sacrifice and may surprise you.

Reflection:

What dreams have you deferred, and you know it's time for you to do?

Prayer:  

Father, give me the strength, patience, and courage to not give up on my dreams and those things I believe you are calling me to do.  Please help me to stay the course and cross the finish line.  In Jesus' name, Amen.