I recently finished a book by Andy Andrews called The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success. One of the “secrets” Andrews offers is also a characteristic of being a compelled person. Andrews says it this way:
I WILL PERSIST WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
The book of James encourages us to rejoice when we face trials because it develops perseverance, and perseverance helps us become mature (James 1:1-4). James starts his letter this way as an encouragement, because as anyone who has had to endure something hard and challenging knows, persevering is tough!
In just the last 7 days, I was reminded of how important it is to persevere. I met with a woman who is compelled about caring for young girls (ages 2 to 14) through a program on Wednesday nights down at Save the Youth. Through enormous challenges, she shows up week after week to love and care for these girls, offering food, tutoring, a safe place to learn and play games.
Then I got an e-mail from Hands of Hope sharing how a young couple is finally leaving to meet their first child, an adopted boy from Colombia. When they began the process, they were expecting a one year wait. Finally, just yesterday, after over 4 years of waiting, they left to meet and bring home their son.
And then I met with two guys who are the precipice of new ministry expressions, one focusing on ministry in the prisons, another focusing on addressing issues of homelessness, joblessness, addiction, and hopelessness. Both guys are at the starting line…and as they begin to take steps of faith, they are going to encounter challenges that will require perseverance unlike they have experienced before.
James calls us to consider it pure joy.
If we do not persevere, a group of at-risk girls could be lost…a young boy in Colombia remains an orphan…and who can know the ministry that will not happen as these two guys are just beginning their journey.
Where is God asking you to persevere?
Get Compelled.
