...run in such a way to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:26)
We will never reach our potential when we fail to pay the price. Most people who quit don't give up at the beginning or when they are at bottom of the mountain; they stop halfway up...when the going gets tough. This is the easiest time to quit, but it's also the worst.
Halfway up the mountain...halfway through any difficult project...or job, or ministry, or commitment - after the initial rush of adrenaline and excitement, after the initial applause of men has worn off and the challenges have become more obvious - it's tempting to seize any opportunity to bail and quit. Believe me it's very easy to quit. All you have to tell yourself is "It's not working. I can't do this anymore. I quit".
When you give in to this temptation, you will find that it becomes easy to quit again...and again...and again. You embrace mediocrity and spend all your life starting over again...and again...and again. If you don't pay the price, you never get the prize.
What price has God been asking you to pay so you can move up a little higher? A few less hours of sleep? One or two skipped meals? A past due apology? An evening or two without TV? More time in the Word and in prayer? There's a price that often stands between you and what God is calling you to do; it's a price that only you can choose to pay. Consider these two wise sayings: "There are no victories at bargain prices." (Dwight D. Eisenhower). "A man can be as great as he wants to be...If you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." (Vince Lombardi).
Stay above...always. |
