Stand strong to overcome life's obstacles
"I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight. I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
Several years ago, when I met a rehabilitation counselor, I wondered how this petite, gray-haired lady could have the leverage to impact a wayward group of teens. Then I listened to her own heart-wrenching testimony of her personal struggles with alcohol.
She spoke about the need to cultivate a spirit of determination. Her motto, "You gotta wanna!" spewed from her lips with a tone of unwavering determination in her voice.
It's interesting how powerful the testimony and words of an achiever can become in your life. Over the years, whenever I find myself in a situation that takes strong determination to overcome, I can still hear those words, "You gotta wanna!" ringing in my ears.
Staying diligent to persevere is what God instructs us to do in order to overcome obstacles in our life. I believe it is a spiritual law put in place. When we lean on God in trust and faith, he will we strengthen us with the ability to fight against our obstacles.
To be determined is to have a "firm intention. To stay firm in purpose," according to Webster's New World Dictionary. The spirit of determination helps us leave our past behind us and prevents us from becoming stagnant.
Sometimes, we become weary in fighting our battle and feel like giving up. We are tempted to go back in the opposite direction. Even if we do slip back, by remembering what was placed in our heart and mind to begin with, we can find the courage to stay on course.
When the apostle Paul grew near to the end of his life, he was filled with contentment that he stayed faithful to minister about Jesus Christ. He was glad he held on to the faith within him that carried him through the struggles he faced.
Let's stick to our decisions, dreams and goals. As we depend on God, may we stand strong in the determination to move ahead and go forward to win our battles.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Invite her to speak to your church group or business or to be your personal coach. Contact her at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.