Abraham Lincoln was successful not just because he became president of the United States of America but because no matter how poor or how many times he lost a race, he never gave up (I believe 8 times). It took a very long time for people to believe in this self-educated lawyer. At one time he had a nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months. His persistence won; his commitment to focused on the goal rather than failure made him eventually the best president in American history. His persistence refined him and fine-tuned his leadership qualities.
God is at work! Since man’s free-will led him to choose sin, God, as stated in Genesis 3:15, has persistently (Romans 3:10-12) sought to have the same relationship He had with Adam before he sinned (2 Corinthians 3:18). No matter how it cost the life of His Son, God’s love for a rebellious world (John 3:16) kept Him persistently desiring to have a friendship with us (John 15:13). He is even committed to do all the transforming work in us so that we can be just like Him (Galatians 2:20) if we commit to do His will once again (Romans 12:2). “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13; NIV) He commits to never forsake us (Matthew 28:20) and even if life takes a turn for the worst, He promises to work it out for our good (Romans 8:28). When we do not know how to pray, He promises to pray for us even to the very depths of God (Romans 8:26-27). No matter whom we face, He commits to fight for us (Romans 8:31).
The issue we face this year is are we willing to commit to the work He is doing or just go back to our way of life hoping to gain the American dream rather than experience His purposes for our lives? The only decision is when there is a fork in the road will I accept the narrow road or the board road? Will I allow the thorn bushes, rocky experiences or worries about money or just day to day life experiences affect God’s work in me (Luke 8:11-15)? He has already decided to work for us are we willing to surrender?
“If you keep My commandments you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10) “Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for His friends.” (John 15:13)
Remember God is at work!
