DON'T GIVE UP

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8

The use of the word 'when' is significant. It means that hidden in every success story are a number of falls from which the victor is able to bounce back.

I have had a number of setbacks in my life. There are things I have tried out that did not turn out too well in the beginning.

Indeed, some of our most successful projects and programmes in this ministry were birthed out of the ashes of seeming failure and defeat.

Persistence is all you need, sometimes. The widow in Luke 18 was refused justice several times by the judge.

However, the Bible records that as a result of her persistence, the unjust judge granted her request, against his own wishes.

Jesus used this story to teach us not to give up at the first sign of failure. Progress in life involves competing for the same opportunities with other people, who may therefore develop some envy or hatred for you.
In some instances, you may get opportunities that others may feel they deserve. The result may be persecution and misinterpretation of your motives and actions.

Sometimes, your own mistakes and disappointments may serve as continuous reminders of your limitations whenever you seek to move forward.

However, it is important to keep at it and know that your efforts will eventually pay off.

In pursuit of your goals this year, always remember the nursery rhyme: "If at first you don't succeed, TRY AGAIN!!!"

Prayer: Lord, give me inner strength to persevere and never give up.

Scriptural Reading: Micah 7:8-10