On Sunday, March 10, 2024, I posted a Telegram on Facebook saying, "If you don't overcome your tendency to give up easily, your life will lead to nothing." - Masutatsu Oyama. This truism was brought to my attention by my wrestling coach at the gym where I've been training. He brought out the fact that every time he got up from a seated position, instead of me taking the advantage and running him over, I sat down and conceded the advantageous position.
Realizing that he was right, I was faced with the reality check of . . . why do I do that? I know the answer. At the time I didn't want to tell him, but in my heart I knew the answer. I'm scared. Not a terrified scared, but fearful of hurting myself and another person. That tendency of giving up an advantageous position is something I need to work on as I continue my exercise journey in Jiu Jitsu, but what about life?
I had to ask the question: do I have the tendency of giving up easily when things get hard? Unfortunately the answer is . . . yes. I've become aware of that growth area in my life. Something that through the help of a present God, He has been able to give me strength I didn't know I had until I needed it. The tendency of giving up easily when things get hard is a human reality. I suspect I'm not the only one facing this reality.
As the year progresses, many of us have had goals, aspirations, and desires that we have wanted to see happen in 2024. By now, many have either forgotten, changed, or even abandoned their goals in order to attain something . . . easier. This Sabbath day, may you make it a day where you challenge yourself in overcoming the tendency of giving up easily when things get hard.
In your spiritual life, that tendency will be your downfall. Paul encourages us with these words, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Phil 3:14, KJV. This Sabbath day, press on toward the mark! Press on for the prize of the high calling! Press on and refuse to give in to the tendency to give up easily on something that is hard. Do hard things . . . for in the end you will lead a life that is fulfilling.
So, until the next time this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives.
Pastor Howard Tello