There's this time of discovery for every HERO - discovering their powers, abilities, gifts, talents.
They all come to this moment, this place of... what does it all mean? What is the purpose?
The begin to discover a true meaning and goal in life.
However, each of them discover that it's a journey - it may even be a long journey toward the ultimate goal
or dream or vision. That is filled with difficulties and obstacles along the way.
There are examples of this all through scriptue.
moses
noah
joseph
Our lives are very much the same.
recap series
1. TWO SIDES TO SUCCESS: Finding the Right Way +
Persevering in it.
1a. Finding the right way is essential. Illustration: Climbing a ladder up a wall with great perseverance over one’s entire life, only to find out in the end that you were on the wrong ladder
1b. Persevering in it is essential. Illustration: The couple who has gotten in debt and decides to dig out. They plan a workable budget, which over time will get them out of debt. But after a couple of months, they fall back into their over-spending ways.
Success is obedience - it’s really that simple
Success is a matter of being where God wants you to be
“We live by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Success is growing to your potential.
Our potential is God’s gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift back to him. In truth, our potential is probably our greatest untapped resource. Henry Ford said, "There is no man living who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can do." We have nearly limitless potential, yet too few ever try to reach it. Many people let everyone around them decide their agenda in life and as a result they never really dedicate themselves to their purpose in life. They become a jack of all trades, master of none--rather than a jack of few trades, focused on one.
Let me give you some principles on growing toward your potential
1. Concentrate on one main goal.
Reaching your potential requires focus, that’s why it is important to discover your purpose. Once you decide where to focus your attention, you must decide what you are willing to give up to be successful, for there can be no success without sacrifice. If you want to accomplish little, sacrifice little, but if you want to accomplish great things, be willing to sacrifice much.
2. Concentrate on continual improvement.
This is the key to reaching your potential, each day you work to be a little better than you were the day before, it puts you one step closer to your potential.
3. Forget the past.
Jack Hayford said, "The past is a dead issue, and we can’t gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we are dragging the past behind us." Maybe you made a lot of mistakes in your life, or you’ve had an especially difficult past, work your way through it and move on, don’t let it stop you from reaching your potential.
Think of people like Booker T. Washington who was born into slavery, denied access to the resources available to white society, but did not let that prevent him from pursuing his potential. He founded the Tuskegee Institute and the National Black Business League. He said, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed."
Think of Helen Keller who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months old. She overcame her severe disabilities, went on to graduate from Radcliffe College and became an author, lecturer and champion for people who are blind.
Think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 1921, at the age of 39 he had a severe case of polio which left him disabled and in severe pain. He never walked again without assistance. But that did not stop him from pursuing his potential. Eight years later he became governor of New York and in 1932, he was elected President of the United States.
I know there are others you can think of who have overcome past tragedies or mistakes and pursued their potential. Let them inspire you to do the same because God has placed within you the potential to become an overcomer.
4. Focus on the future.
Your potential lies ahead of you, no matter what your age. You can become better tomorrow than you are today.
And remember that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). The purchase price for all of God’s blessings has already been paid. All we have to do to receive them is to keep believing, and keep praying.
2. THE TEMPTATION TO QUIT.
2a. The biblical history shows us the type, those who start but do not finish, those who draw back and are lost (Heb 10:39).
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, (they quit - tough, obstacles) but of those who believe and are saved.”
We maintain in good times, in bad times, in all circumstances.
2c. One characteristic of the “quitting” phenomenon: There are signs leading up to it. It is a sliding back, not a falling off. They are just - hanging on - barely.
“strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” Heb. 12:12
2d. One thing that commonly leads up to it: the feeling that it is a “futile perseverance.”
-It is the feeling that whatever fruit it produces is not worth it (Illustration – pastoral license).
We can be sure, however, that to persevere for GOD’S SAKE is worth it. Hebrews 6:10.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
-Or it is the feeling that it cannot be done, that we’ve gotten ourselves in over our heads in taking this one on.
So let’s consider some things that will relieve us of this feeling of futility....first, that we must be relieved of any false models that we hold of perseverance.
3. MODELS OF CHRISTIAN PERSEVERANCE
3a. A false model of perseverance leads to despair.
Example: The Perfectionist Model. The Comparison Model
3b. We must develop a true model of perseverance, and keep it ever in view.
The Apostle Paul
Jesus/carpenter 30 years 3 yrs ministry
Elements of a true model of perseverance:
(1) Persevering in FAITH, in looking to Christ Jesus as the Mediator, the Author of your salvation. In other words, in trusting in God and seeking personal salvation in the ways the Gospel directs us too.
“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Rom. 4:20
(2) Persevering in DISCIPLESHIP. In learning. In growing. In eating the bread of life.
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.” 1 Thes 4:1 - purple book
(3) Persevering in WORSHIP.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes 5:16-18. In Prayer, Joy and Thanksgiving.
(4) Persevering in GOOD WORKS.
“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.” Gal 6:9.
In using your talents, in shining your light. Think especially of these three areas: FAMILY, CHURCH, JOB
It has been said that we make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give.
4. HOW CAN WE PERSEVERE?
4a. Only with self-determination
It begins in the heart and travels to the mind - Rom. 12:1
ILLUS: Story of Glenn Cunningham (Found in "Chicken Soup for the Soul").
4b. Only with the help of others.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another
Heb 10:24-25
4c. Only with the help of God.
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Phil 1:6;
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
1 Thes 5:23-24;
Conclusion. Perseverance is essential. What would Christianity on earth be without it? What will be the destiny of your soul without it? But when it’s all said and done, it will be to the praise of God that we endure. All glory and praise be to him, the creator and sustainer of Christian perseverance. Amen
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