Be Determined!

It takes courage to be led by God. It’s not easy to ‘break the mould’ and rise above the limits others place on you. When you do, you’ll face disapproval. Jesus did. When the folks He grew up around said, ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?...’ (Matthew 13:55 NIV), they were really saying, ‘He should stay in His place!’ When they tell you that, don’t listen. ‘...each of us will give an account of himself to God.’ (Romans 14:12 NIV) In the end you’ll discover that not only is it wrong to be judgmental of others, it’s also wrong to let their opinions to control you. ‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.’ To follow God’s leading you must have confidence that He loves you in spite of your shortcomings; He has a definite plan for your life; you are capable of hearing from Him for yourself; and whatever He asks of you, He will enable you to do. Once you’ve heard from God, be determined! Things worth having never come easy. If you find yourself weakening, ask God for will power and He will give it to you through His Spirit. If you find yourself being in two minds, go back and ask yourself what God told you in the beginning—then stick with it. Don’t go in a different direction because of worry, discouragement or the words of others. Remind yourself that you have what it takes to succeed in whatever God has called you to do. If you’ve made Jesus Lord of your life, His determination lives in you—because He lives in you.