Determination Part 4

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.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

How many people stop because so few say “Go”! How few are those who see beyond the danger … who say to those on the edge of some venture, “Go for it!” Perhaps it is related to one’s inner ability to imagine, to envision, to be enraptured by the unseen, all hazards and hardships notwithstanding. I’m convinced that one of the reasons mountain climbers connect themselves to one another with a rope is to keep the one on the end from going home. Guys out front never consider that as an option … but those in the rear, well, let’s just say they are the last to get a glimpse of the glory.

Certain visionaries refused to listen to the short-sighted doomsayers who could only see as far as the first obstacle. For example,

Edison didn’t give up on the light bulb even though his helpers seriously doubted the thing would work.
Luther refused to back down when the Church doubled her fist and clenched her teeth.
Michelangelo kept pounding and painting, regardless of those negative put-downs.
Jesus held nothing back when He left heaven, lived on earth, and went for it all the way to the cross and beyond.
Almost every day we encounter someone like Abraham who is standing with their tent pegs in hand seriously thinking about embarking on the most daring, most frightening journey of their lifetime. That may be a friend, your marriage partner, someone you work with, a neighbor, your own child or brother, sister, or parent. Urge them on! Vote “Yes”! Shout a rousing “You are really something … I’m proud of you!” Dare to say what they need to hear the most, “Go for it!” Then pray like mad.

Our problem is not lack of potential, it is lack of determination … not a problem of having the goods but of hearing the bads. How much more could be accomplished if there were only more urging us on, affirming us, regardless of the risks? Too many stop because so few say “Go!”

Father, do a new work in me today. Lift my sights above the expected. Develop in me the qualities that make for excellence. Grant me a sensitive heart and a ready word of encouragement to say “Go!” to someone daring to step out on faith.