Are you determined to succeed? Do you begin every year with new resolutions? It takes determination to make any decision requiring commitment. Resolution is defined as firm determination. It finds a way to overcome every obstacle. It is the difference between people who quit and those who refuse to give up. Someone said, “The mightiest oak tree in the forest was just a little nut that held its ground.”
Determination born out of stubbornness and rebellion generates negative results. Determination to succeed is connected to hope. Hope fuels your resolve with confidence that “you can make it.” You may be knocked down, but you aren’t knocked out if you have hope. A loser faces failure and gives up. A winner faces defeat with the determination to try again. Determination produces a steadfast, unwavering course of action.
Proverbs 24:16
“For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
One of the most powerful speeches ever given was by Winston Churchill. It was only three words: “Never give up!” Thomas Edison started over 2,000 times before finally inventing the light bulb.
- Is there a project, resolution, ambition, or dream that you gave up on because it became so difficult you thought it was impossible to achieve? Try again!
- Are you discouraged? Read Psalm, chapter 42. It is a song of hope. When the situation appears impossible, hope expects a miracle, and determination refuses to quit. Hope anyway!
- Are you tired? “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Wait patiently!
“And the God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” I Peter 5:10 (NIV)
