When God gives you a mission, you can be sure you’ll run into delays, difficulties, detours, and dead ends along the way. They are a natural part of life. But you can be ready for them.
For example, if anybody had a right to be discouraged, it was Noah. Do you know how long it took Noah to build the ark? It took 120 years. Could you go 120 years on a project without one word of encouragement from anyone?
Noah trusted God. And when he heard God’s warning about the future, Noah believed Him, even though there was no sign of a flood. I bet there were many days that Noah didn’t feel like going to work, but for 43,800 days, he went to the same place, and he worked. He never gave up.
Don’t give up on your dream, either. Don’t give up on your marriage. Don’t give up on your health. Don’t, don’t, don’t give up. It’s all about perseverance. God is in control. You haven’t read the final chapter of your life. God’s already written it, but you haven’t read it yet.
The Bible says, “For the eyes of the Lord move about on all the earth to strengthen the heart that is completely toward Him …“ (2 Chron. 16:9, MEV). God is looking for people who are committed to Him and His plan so that He can bless them.
Don’t you want to be one of those people? Then don’t give up!
Talk It Over
- What is the God-size dream you’ve been ready to give up on because of difficulties and delays?
- How have you grown spiritually through the detours and delays in your life?
- How do you want God to bless you as you commit your life fully to him? {eoa}
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church. His book, The Purpose Driven Church, was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.
For the original article, visit rickwarren.org.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
