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 set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2.
Determination and endurance are ingredients of any significant accomplishment. Every worthwhile endeavor will include the temptation to quit! Making an effort to do well, to
improve is an uphill climb. Coasting only works when you are on a decline. Scripture is full of fellow believers who inspire us to be determined to endure. If your passion for goals you set is dwindling away, consider some encouragement from the Word.
Remember Joseph: sold off by his brothers, lied about by a sinful woman and forgotten by those he helped. He lived so consistently for God even a pagan ruler declared, “Who can find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Joseph’s confidence in God’s power and goodness never faltered. It guided him and he shared it with his brothers (his betrayers) to calm their fears about his taking retribution. Joseph’s endurance flowed from his determination to honor His good and all-powerful God.
That same determination was expressed by Paul in 2 Corinthians. Paul said, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul was determined that his focus would remain on the love that led Jesus to the Cross. That is a determination that will hold us on course!
Remember Esther: a Jewish orphan girl chosen as a candidate for the role of Queen of the massive Persian empire. She was one candidate of many–and not being chosen would doom her to an empty life. She determined to honor those in authority over her and that surrender garnered her favor in the eyes of King Xerxes. Even then, determination was necessary. Circumstances forced her to risk it all–including her life–to help God’s chosen people, her people, the Jewish nation. Her determination earned her (and her family) lasting honor. Even today, Esther’s determination is celebrated every year with the Feast of Purim.
God does great things with determination that focuses on Him. Jesus, Himself, had focused determination all his days on this earth. Luke 9:51 tells us, “As the time approached for him (Jesus) to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Determination doesn’t take us on the easiest road. It takes us toward the purposes and plans of God.
We all have many places to practice determination but our primary determination must be to seek God. In every activity, in every conversation, we must be determined to seek God. He will bring good to us and those around us when we do that. God promises us the strength we need to seek Him. When we set our will to do that, His goodness and power works on our behalf.
Indeed, we can do all things through Christ…we can mount up on wings of eagles. Determine to do so!
Heartsong Ministries 