Determination Part 3

DETERMINATION
Vineyard Church NW - Jody Burgin


DETERMINATION vs. Withdrawal
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.

“I will…”
Set goals reflecting my faith in God.
Make sure my goals are right.
Persist against opposition and ignore distractions.
Not be discouraged by other’s attempts to dissuade or discourage me.
Face problems head-on.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. (Galatians 6:9 – The Message)

We don’t hear about gumption any more. Too bad, since we need it more than ever these days especially since quitting is now more popular than finishing. It enables us to save money rather than spend every dime we make. It keeps us at a hard task, like building a tedious model or completing an add-on or practicing guitar or losing weight – and keeping it lost. Gumption comes easier when we remember that finishing has its own unique rewards. Those who only start projects never know the surge of satisfaction that comes with slapping hands together, wiping away those beads of perspiration, and saying that beautiful four-letter word, “Done!” Keeping the end in mind encourages gumption, but how does it begin?

Gumption begins with a firm commitment. Isaiah “set his face like a flint” (50:7) and Daniel “made up his mind” (1:8). An old recipe for a rabbit dish starts out, “First, catch the rabbit.” That puts first things first. No rabbit, no dish. You want gumption to continue to the end? Start strong then live it out one day at a time.

The whole of any objective can overwhelm even the most determined and courageous. Writing a book? Do so one page at a time. Running a marathon? Those 26 plus miles are run one step at a time. Trying to master a new language? Try one word at a time. There are 365 days in the average year. Divide any project by 365 and none seem all that intimidating, do they? It will take daily discipline (Proverbs 19:27), not annual discipline.

Today is unique! It has never occurred before and it will never be repeated. At midnight it will end, quietly, suddenly, totally. Forever. But the hours between now and then are opportunities with eternal possibilities. With his enablement, live this day with gumption to the full – as if it were your last day on earth. It may be.

Father, stab me awake to possibilities to extend your love to others today, keep me wide-eyed and ready.