Oftentimes, a new year brings declarations, decisions, and a shiny new level of dedication. We feel inspired and strengthened to go after it. There's nothing like a fresh start to motivate us to action. At the beginning of the year, we are ready to set and meet goals immediately. We set goals to lose weight, gain muscle, spend more time doing one thing, less time doing another, stop a bad habit, or create a useful habit. However, what do we do when we no longer "feel" like doing what it takes to reach our goals?
The answer..... Persevere
Persevere: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
In reality, the excitement we "feel" at the beginning of the year is not enough to become the person we know God has called us to be by the end of the year; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
There may be days when we will have to maintain our purpose to the point of what may seem like suffering. On those days we will fight the feeling to quit and...
Persevere our way to the gym.
Persevere in the process of forgiveness.
Persevere in studying to be quiet, when we are not at a loss for words
Persevere in guarding our heart
Persevere in moving forward on that business plan
Persevere in a disciplined lifestyle
Submission to becoming the person God created us to be includes suffering, but Romans tells us that the end result is hope.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
The journey to destiny develops us into the person we need to be, so we can properly handle the place we're going. However, we will not reach our destination by traveling the road of our emotions. In order to become all God created us to be, we have to persevere toward what's right, even when our feelings are wrong.
As we continue through the year, let's live intentionally, everyday. Let's keep the goals that God has given us to reach, in direct view. When motivation is low and challenges arise, fight the feeling to quit, and persevere... your destiny is waiting.
For Reflection
At this moment, am I as focused and motivated to meet the goals I set at the beginning of the year?
Am I persevering in areas that I don't "feel" motivated in?
Am I willing to recommit to maintaining my purpose regardless of my feelings?
Scripture:
Romans 5:3-4
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