Determination

The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness. ~Wiktionary

Biblically the first thing that pops to mind is Paul's point to the church in Corinth, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."~1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Additional references that are fairly well known are: 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Galatians 1:10, Numbers 13:30 and 1 Samuel 17:45-51.  All of these speak to determination.  There are many others in God's Word that speak directly to our topic.  We have so many other examples of standing up determined to do what is right in the sight of our Father, regardless of what men may think or do as a result.  These have been very difficult and sometimes perilous.

We are not called to do "easy" in this life, we are called to do right.  Right as defined by our Holy Father.  How difficult it must have been for Nathan to confront David. ~2 Samuel 12  David the king, anointed by God to serve the nation of Israel.  Delivered by God from the hands of his enemies and his own father, Saul.  Powerful before all who had ever heard his name and Nathan had to address David's sin.  David, could have reacted very badly and had Nathan killed.  Nathan had to determine that regardless of the outcome, God was in control and right.

We stand at cross roads daily.  Turning to the left or the right, moving forward or back and sometimes frozen in place.  Sometimes it is resolve alone, our determination that carries us through.  The "testing of your faith" (James 1:3) is required in order for us to grow.  Without determination, I dare say that we would be easily led astray.

Seeking our Father's strength, resolve and courage is exactly what we need to stand determined and to be counted for His Kingdom.  They are bedrocks on which faith, passion and conviction stand.  Deep roots, the beating winds and rain, heat and cold all contributed to the massive trees in our forests.  Why do we expect a life of ease to get us to the other side, when everything else in God's creation tells us strife and struggle are required?

To be all God has called us to be for His glory and Kingdom, we need deep rooted determination.  I'm seeking my Father's boundless grace, love and strength to see me through.  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13  I recently heard someone say; since that verse is true, then that means that I can do nothing without Him.

Jesus is our all, His portion is ours.  He determined long before Calvary that we were and are worth the trip.  Worth leaving glory so we could come into His Father's Kingdom as joint heirs.  We should determine that nothing is more important in this life than our service to Him as He desires.

When we think about it, determination is a great place to start our day.

Blessings & Peace
~Robert