How determined are you, mom? How often are we called to teach our little princesses not be discouraged or be disheartened? We say, “It’s going to be OK, no more tears”. Maybe the job you asked them to do seems too big or they are struggling with being left out or have a sense of abandonment. We have the opportunity to share the divine purpose from God’s point of view that will wash tears away and build a new determination.
The character quality of determination deals with a mind-set prior to the task. The character quality ofendurance involves the carrying out of the task.
Solomon “determined to build…” II Chron. 2: 1
Daniel “purposed in his heart…”Dan. 1: 8
David “determined to mourn…” II Sam.3: 35
Disciples “determined to send relief…” Acts 11: 29
Paul “determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ & Him crucified…” I Cor.2
Determination presupposes careful consideration of the cost and requirements of the task and a decision that the task is worth whatever expenditure is necessary to accomplish it. It may be a garden in the back yard or a marriage!
Life consists of choices. After a wise choice is made, determination is needed to carry it out. Wise choices are usually challenged by difficulties and temptations. Do you persevere on tasks that are more difficult than what you expected?
Moses chose to “suffer affliction with the children of Israel rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin…”
Esau, on the other hand, did NOT determine to protect his birthright and sold it! Years later, he tried to recover it…but it was too late. Heb 11:25
Do you commit to each goal and overcome any obstacle you encounter along the way or do you contemplate “giving up?” “When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something truly magnificent, he starts with an impossibility.” Armin Gesswein Whatever your circumstance today, determine to know He has the path that leads to His divine purpose, and walk confidently, in the reality of His unwavering leading and directing.
DETERMINATION IS LIKE A BOMBER PILOT PASSING THE POINT OF NO RETURN,
THEREBY CUTTING OFF THE OPTION OF RETREAT!!
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
