If you want to be inspired to persevere, go see the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" (not a misspelling). It's a pleasure to be able to recommend more than one movie (see, "Rocky Balboa" as well!) for a change. Finally, Hollywood pumps out some good, decent films! In the, "Pursuit of Happyness' film, the lesson learned is that through earnest perseverance, there isn't anything you can't do. So many times we let the obstacles in our life determine when to quit. The movie is based on a true story about Chris Gardner who currently is a successful, wealthy stock broker. He did not come from a wealthy background or inherit a position from a well to do family member. He started at rock bottom. Life circumstances dug him even below rock bottom as he tried to make something of himself. It would have been easier to give up and live off of government programs, but this isn't what this determined young man wanted for himself or his son. Through much perseverance, he pushed his way through unbelievable obstacles and made a successful life for himself. Now I don't know if this man has any faith in God (although in the movie, he does attend a church service and appears to take hope and comfort in very spiritual songs that were sung) but the point of the story was to not give up on your dreams, hopes and inspirations.
I once read an article about the differences between successful people and non-successful people. One striking difference is in how both types of people sees obstacles. The non-successful person sees an obstacle and throws up his hands and says, "That's it. Twas never to be!" But the successful person sees obstacles as opportunities and moves forward with it. This nugget of truth has stuck with me and I bring it out of my "Memory File" from time to time when faced with an obstacle. This can be applied to anything in life. Sometimes we blame something in our past (the way we were raised is a popular one...even with me!), "I was raised to believe, therefore....." "My father was so strict about that I am now afraid to.....". It could be a present circumstance (probably the most popular of all), "I'm so busy I don't have time to study the bible." "I can't do that ministry/volunteer job. I'm too shy/busy/unqualified." (not that one should say yes to everything...I'm talking about when you know you should say yes, but these excuses come up so you can say no and get out of it....my dear Jonah!). When you know God wants you to go in a certain direction, or life circumstances make you want to throw in the towel, remember these verses:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus endured a lot more than I ever had or will have to endure. Abraham, Moses, David and Paul certainly endured more in a few short years than my whole lifetime X 100!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. II Corinthians 4:17
My hope for us in 2007 is to see our obstacles as an adventure and opportunity in our journey to that eternal glory. Whether we are bogged down in busy activities, health issues, work frustrations, money matters, or relationship issues, we have an obligation to live by and follow the Spirit's leading, not as the world lives which is for ourselves first and what's leftover, for God (Romans 8). We may need to give up something or re-prioritize in order to accomplish what needs to be done. May our New Years Resolutions be Godly focused and fulfilled and completed no matter what the enemy throws at us! God Bless you in your endeavors!
I once read an article about the differences between successful people and non-successful people. One striking difference is in how both types of people sees obstacles. The non-successful person sees an obstacle and throws up his hands and says, "That's it. Twas never to be!" But the successful person sees obstacles as opportunities and moves forward with it. This nugget of truth has stuck with me and I bring it out of my "Memory File" from time to time when faced with an obstacle. This can be applied to anything in life. Sometimes we blame something in our past (the way we were raised is a popular one...even with me!), "I was raised to believe, therefore....." "My father was so strict about that I am now afraid to.....". It could be a present circumstance (probably the most popular of all), "I'm so busy I don't have time to study the bible." "I can't do that ministry/volunteer job. I'm too shy/busy/unqualified." (not that one should say yes to everything...I'm talking about when you know you should say yes, but these excuses come up so you can say no and get out of it....my dear Jonah!). When you know God wants you to go in a certain direction, or life circumstances make you want to throw in the towel, remember these verses:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus endured a lot more than I ever had or will have to endure. Abraham, Moses, David and Paul certainly endured more in a few short years than my whole lifetime X 100!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. II Corinthians 4:17
My hope for us in 2007 is to see our obstacles as an adventure and opportunity in our journey to that eternal glory. Whether we are bogged down in busy activities, health issues, work frustrations, money matters, or relationship issues, we have an obligation to live by and follow the Spirit's leading, not as the world lives which is for ourselves first and what's leftover, for God (Romans 8). We may need to give up something or re-prioritize in order to accomplish what needs to be done. May our New Years Resolutions be Godly focused and fulfilled and completed no matter what the enemy throws at us! God Bless you in your endeavors!
3 comments:
Greetings Lynn,
Everything you have written is so very TRUE. It is so EASY to look for a reason to NOT do something and even EASIER to blame another person for their own lives being unsatisfied. It's a lot of hard work to strive for happiness when really the happiness has always been there with our dear Lord.
Thank you so very much for your inspiring words Lynn.
May our dear Lord continue to bless you and your family and keep you in his loving care.
Love & Friendship, Jamie
Amen to that! I'm thinking I need to climb this mountain to take better care of myself! I hope to end these PT/OT appointments before winter runs out! Happy Persavering (sp?)!!!!
Look forward to going to the movies now!!! I need to watch Rocky 5 first!
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