God is going to surpass anything that you’ve seen

A N(: <28

Thomas Carlyle, the 6cottish essayist, historian and philosopher, had just finished a massive undertaking a manuscript on the )rench 5evolution. +e labored with intensity on the three-part study. Carlyle believed it was his greatest work. +e was extremely proud.

:hen he completed the manuscript, Carlyle sent it to his friend, John 6tuart 0ill. +e wanted 0ills to read it. 'ays later, 0ill’s maid mistook the manuscript for trash and burned it in a fire.

As Carlyle learned of this horrible mistake, he sank into a deep depression.

It was purported that thereafter, as Carlyle was walking down the street, he saw a stone mason faithfully building a long, high wall. +e stood watching the mason build the wall one brick at a time. )illed with inspiration from watching the mason, Carlyle stepped out in pure faith and resolved to just write one page a day. And another page the next day.

Before long, Carlyle rewrote the entire manuscript from memory, achieving what he described as a book that came “direct and flamingly from the heart.” And the end result was better than the first time.

Accordingly, regardless of past mistakes or injustice, and with peace in our hearts, let us take life a day at a time and with a dream in your heart, try again. 'on’t ever think that you are finished because you had a setback, made a mistake, or a situation did not go the way you thought it would. 2ften times, God has handfuls of blessings for our future, yet we are afraid to persist and take steps ahead, because we are stuck in the hurts of the past or held back by disappointments, regrets or limitations.

God will work things together for +is glory and our good, for +e knows the past and the future and has the perfect, appointed time to bring about our glorious dreams, plans and aspirations. 6o, don’t give up or give in to desperation. And the end result will be better than the first. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.” /uke .

)or, it doesn’t matter how or where you start off, it is how you finish that counts! I recall the Biblical story about 'avid and Goliath. (veryone was afraid of Goliath, because he seemed unconTuerable and invincible. :hen other people ran away in fear, young 'avid didn’t concede. Instead, 'avid took the needed action, in faith, regardless of limitations, uncertainties or discouraging conditions.

As 'avid and Goliath confronted each other there you have huge Goliath with his armor and shield and a small 6hepard boy, 'avid, with only a sling shot and a pouch of stones. But 'avid was not distracted, as he kept his focus on God. +e was confident and believed God would give him the grace and the strength to defeat the giant. 'avid then drew near the 3hilistine and said to him, “

The narrative resumes, as Goliath moved in to destroy 'avid, but 'avid Tuickly ran out to meet him. Then, 'avid reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath’s head. That small stone found its way through a hole in Goliath’s armor, hitting his forehead, and the giant fell to the ground.

6o, let’s not retreat and run away from challenges. Alternatively, let’s step forth and go toward our challenges, as 'avid did, and our giants or in our case, our stumbling blocks will fall. Commit to ‘finishing what you started.’ God has prepared the way for you, and +e will help you overcome what is in your path.

0onths ago, I heard a story about a celebrated pianist who was scheduled to perform at an elegant theater. 6eated close to the stage were a mother, father and their sixyear-old son. The boy took piano lessons, and his parents wanted to take him to hear the performance in the hope that their son would be encouraged to practice daily.

As the audience waited in anticipation for the concert to begin, the parents were Tuietly conversing with the couple seated next to them. Tired of waiting, the active boy began to shuffle in his seat. Then, the boy stood up and he curiously ran up the side stairs and onto the stage. The boy scurried right to the black grand piano and flushed with excitement, he sat down on the stool. And before the parents could even say a word, the boy placed his little hands on the black and white keys and began to play, “Chopsticks.” 6ome people in the audience gasped aloud, as they heard the child playing the piano. And backstage the maestro overheard the commotion, and Tuickly, he rushed toward the stage. The maestro sat beside the boy and began to play a duet with him, creating a lovely melody harmonizing with the boy’s “Chopsticks.” And as they continued to play the song together, the maestro whispered in the boy’s ear, “Keep going. 'on’t stop. Keep going. 'on’t Tuit.”

The audience was in awe, as the maestro took the forgettable and turned it into something unforgettable. And that’s what God can do, for +e is whispering in your ear now, “Keep going. 'on’t stop. Keep going. 'on’t Tuit.” )riends, regardless of what comes your way, do not get down and discouraged. Instead, don’t give up and look up! God’s plan for you is good. +e wants to do great things for you, with you, by you, and through you.

God is not finished with you yet! And +e is going to surpass anything that you’ve seen before.