(Originally Published in The Daily Press - Religion Section - August 2, 2014)
“I just can’t do it anymore; it’s too hard” said a woman in the midst of challenging circumstances who was sitting across from me.
Thomas Edison may have felt this way in his efforts to perfect the light bulb. Henry Ford revolutionized transportation, but not without experiencing failure. Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star newspaper for “lacking creativity.” John Grisham’s first novel was rejected more than 30 times before being published by Wynwood Press.
The common denominator of these successful men is perseverance. They did not allow others to put a ceiling on their accomplishments. The late Vince Lombardi believed “it’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Think about King David: He endured two decades of struggle and was hunted down by Saul. In the process, he learned some significant heart-shaping lessons between initially being anointed by Samuel and finally becoming king over all Israel. David learned to order his life around God’s call and not let mistakes define him in a negative way.
How different would world history be if David had just decided to give up because it was too hard?
God has called each of us to something specific and he will make a way. He does not set us up for failure. Neither does he remove all obstacles from our paths. Obstacles are not walls. Perseverance makes us stronger. Track star Aries Merritt must have fallen over a few hurdles along the way to the gold medal in the 2012 Olympic games, don’t you think?
God’s gifts and calling on our lives are irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). But we can limit our effectiveness by coming out from under his anointing and taking detours that are not God’s plan. The fact remains: “God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty — never canceled, never rescinded.” (The Message Bible) It is up to us whether we are obedient.
Hang in there, Christian. If God has confirmed a direction for your life, stay the course until he shows you otherwise. Don’t doubt in the darkness what He has shown you in the light. God created the heavens and the Earth in the midst of darkness. Jesus’ earthly body was formed in darkness of the virgin Mary’s womb. He died on the cross in darkness, and then rose from the grave “very early in the morning” when no one saw.
Developing your gifts and calling will take you into unknown territory and periodic darkness. Pressing on may mean personal risk and uncomfortable growth, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Take your limitations to the God who has none. Then, as you do your part, trust Him to do his, and “run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) God has uniquely gifted you to carry out his call: in family, work, church and beyond. No one can replace you; so forge ahead in the confidence of Christ, and obediently embrace what lies ahead.
The Rev. Heidi Summers is affiliated with Freedom in Christ Ministries, is a board certified pastoral counselor, board certified life coach and is currently completing her doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary.
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