“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
– Philippians 4:13
Yesterday, we talked about how being stubborn in the right areas is a good thing, as long as our hearts remain soft toward people. To this end, one of my favorite childhood stories (which I’m sure I tell from the pulpit at least once a year) involves a fishing trip I went on when I was eleven years old. The day started like any other out on the water, but this time, my dad and my best friend were with me. A while after we set out, I felt a tug on my pole, and I didn’t think anything of it. However, as I began wrestling with whatever was on the other end of the line, I knew it must be huge. Back and forth the creature pulled me, and from one side of the boat to the other — first for half an hour, then an hour, and then two hours! By the time I finally reeled it close enough to see what it was, I realized it was a shark! Though I was already exhausted from the struggle, once I beheld what I had hooked, I kept fighting. While my dad suggested that I hand the pole to my friend, there was no way I was going to give it up now. After all, this was my conquest, and I wasn’t about to surrender it to anyone else. Although it practically killed me, after nearly three hours of straining every muscle in my body, breathing in diesel fumes, and being seasick, I finally got that monster in the boat, and I was ecstatic! It turns out it was a thresher shark, and it weighed 270 pounds and was almost thirteen feet long. But more than just a prize catch, this day served as a rite of passage to manhood for me, because I learned that being stubborn in accomplishing what I set my sights on was an important part of personal growth. My friend, be a person of Godly grit and persistence. Though others may mock you or tell you to “throw in the towel,” the Lord beckons you to keep holding on until you’ve reached the finish line. You’re closer than you think you are, and while it may take every ounce of physical, emotional, and spiritual strength that you have, Jesus is with you in the boat. He’s providing the stamina, courage, and wisdom to push through, and He is using current trials to equip you to obtain future triumphs. When you’re stubborn in accomplishing the fulfillment of your calling, you will do more for His Kingdom that you ever thought possible! |
Prayer
Jesus, make me stubborn in accomplishment, and teach me not to give up when everything in me wants to quit.
Reflection
What accomplishment or calling do you need to be stubborn in today?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I want to achieve a healthier body weight. And also be able to resume my duties as lector. I will work really hard this morning on that first thing.It is hard to think about what is important. But if we put our minds and hearts to it. We can strive toward that goal.We should only concentrate on what it means to be stubborn. We may not always get our way but with the help of friends and family there to cheer us on. It will only be more rewarding.Sometimes there is frustration and feelings of hopelessness. But God is always at our side. We must learn to accept that it’s not easy at first but everything becomes more comfortable. I hope and pray that more and more people get vaccinated against Covid-19’and those contagious variants.I pray especially for Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family that they stay healthy and free from this horrible virus. To the worshiping community of Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church. I send my warmest greetings. To the Hour of Power choir and Orchestra along with its two directors a lot of thankful praise and appreciation for the gloriously triumphant music and singing. As always
I remain a faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome student in Jesus Christ. May God bless the United States of America