Successful people will tell you that the key to their success is hard work and determination. These two qualities are a couple of many that separate those that want, from those that have. Hard work is a given, and not the particular focus on this devotional. This devotional focuses on that other word – determination. It sounds pretty straight forward, but determination is more than just “being determined”.
My story
When I graduated from college, I had a laundry list of things that needed to be done for me to get accepted into medical school. Increasing my GPA, MCAT score, and medical experience were just the tip of the iceberg.
On top of that, I would be sitting on Facebook and Instagram watching all my friends go to medical school before me. Or, non-medical school friends using their four year degrees to make a lot more money than me. I made $11.49 at my first job which required me to wipe butts, deal with unstable patients, and be verbally and physically accosted. It was hard to not feel envious watching white coat ceremonies or my wealthier friends buy new cars or go on several vacations.
However, I knew that if I just did what I was supposed to do, then I would be fine. The next year, I worked my butt off. I studied harder for my classes than ever before because I needed an A. Anything short of that would not be good enough for medical school. I also worked a really hard job and studied for, and took, the MCAT TWICE. Everything I did in that year couldn’t just be done, but had to be done well.
What is determination?
This is where I learned that determination is more than just how hard you pursue something. It also is about HOW you pursue it. Are you doing the right thing? It’s easy to cheat and slack off. I could have cheated on a majority of my tests or half done my job.
However, the guilt and shame of lying and cheating would have loomed over my head and been unbearable. The paranoia that comes with someone potentially finding out your secret isn’t worth it. I also wouldn’t have learned or experienced everything that I did from doing things to the best of my abilities. In the end, things panned out and I had multiple offers for different programs.
James 1:12
This is what “stay the course” means. In James Chapter 1, verses 2-12 we learn that when we are tempted, but learn how to push on, we build perseverance. Perseverance matures us and ensures that we are not lacking anything. When we lack wisdom or guidance, we can talk to the Lord about it, but in doing so, we cannot doubt. Anyone who doubts will receive nothing because they are double minded and confusing themselves.
If you live your life according to the will of God, you should be proud. However, those who are rich and living their lives in sin will wither away without the blessings of God. This is why it is so important to continue on the straight and narrow, even when everyone around you seems like their way is better. Their way is for THEM. You have your own path and if you follow it, and are determined to see your goals through, then you will be blessed with them.
For James 1:12 tells us “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
God is not bringing trials and tribulations to our lives. They are already there, or we bring them upon ourselves. If we allow ourselves to succumb to them, then we are setting ourselves up for our dreams to die. However, when we stand tall through temptation and sin, anything we are meant to have will be ours to take for the Lord will bless us in exchange for unwavering and unconditional love.
Walk with me
I want to know your story. Do you have a similar situation of overcoming hardship and pushing through temptation to reach your goals? Please share it! Comment below, tweet at me, or tag me in an Instagram post. I want to walk with you together and here how God has manifested the goals that you have or want to have. Subscribe using the Green box to get updates when posts are published! Also follow us on social media to receive even more updates.
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James 1:2-15
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
This is so timely, I loved it!