The Grind…
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Whenever we are trying to achieve our goals in life, we always want them to come quickly. We want instant gratification, little or no hard work, no challenges, no cost. Unfortunately, that’s not how things work most of the time, at least for big dreams and goals. Big dreams and goals require us to be strong enough to go through the grinder to get to the other side.
This past week for me has been an interesting one. I was pulled in every direction that I could have possibly been pulled in. I faced challenges that I have never had to even think of. I had to think of the future and how to make it the best it could be. I also had to get out of my comfort zone again, big shocker, right? That seems to be the common side effect of growth for me lately.
To be honest, this past week was hard. I didn’t know how I would accomplish everything I had to do. I didn’t even know how to do some of the tasks that were given to me, but I am figuring them out.
Sometimes part of the growth process is just the slow grind of progress. You must have the determination to push through even when you don’t think you have it in you. You must keep grinding to get through the tough times. Those tough seasons are what will build you into the strong champion you are meant to be. No one becomes great by accident. It takes hard work and grit to become something special.
What I do know was that I was not alone in my struggle. I had someone with me to support me and give me hope when I had no more.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
That passage is simple but very profound when you really think about it. “Don’t be afraid for I am with you” That means we are never alone in our struggles no matter what they are or where we are. My favorite part is “Don’t be discouraged”. I find it so easy to get discouraged when I fail or struggle with something. I am used to understanding things easily, and when I don’t, I get discouraged and sometimes pitch a fit like my 8-year-old son.
When we take the pressure off ourselves to be perfect, all knowing, and strong, it gives God a place to work within us to give us true strength and knowledge. I have seen this principle in action many times. I am weak when I rely only on my own abilities. It is a hard lesson I have had to learn myself many times over the years. Hopefully you are not as stubborn as I am.
This week I challenge you to give God some room to lift you up in victory. It may be the first time you ever truly allowed yourself to be open to it, but I promise you will be hooked if you give him the opportunity.