God has a bigger purpose in mind for you
“Life has two rules. The first rule is to never give up.
The second rule is to remember the first rule.”
A while back, I went on a business trip to Pennsylvania, and I thought about the life of entrepreneur, Milton S. Hershey. As I drove my car through the charming town of Lancaster, I recalled a book I had read years before about Hershey’s path to success, which was paved with stumbling blocks and pitfalls.
Hershey was a farm boy who left school in the fourth grade and then apprenticed for a printer who published a newspaper. He was not keen to that line of work and soon left. Thereafter, he started an apprenticeship for a candy-maker, and found that he had a natural talent for the ‘sweet’ profession. After a few years, young Hershey decided to go out on his own. His limited funds and limited formal education did not stop him from following his vision. Thus, he began a candy company. Yet, after some time, it failed. Hershey tried again and determinately founded another candy enterprise. It was unsuccessful, too.
Lacking resources and almost bankrupt, courageously, Hershey didn’t yield. Refusing to falter in the face of adversity, he looked into the future. Working hard, he persevered. With the important lessons he had learned, Hershey kept moving forward toward his utmost goals.
“Success certainly did not come early or easily for Hershey,” I thought to myself. His story makes me wonder, “How many of us allow past setbacks to weaken us and prevent us from pressing on to fulfill the dreams of our heart?”
Then, a turning point came in Hershey’s life. He utilized a unique caramel recipe which he had stumbled upon during his earlier days, and he launched a Caramel Company. Before long, the business became a great success.
However, through his experiences, Hershey astutely believed that chocolate products would appeal to the masses. Through trial and error, he worked tirelessly at perfecting a delicious, milk chocolate recipe. Subsequently, he sold the Caramel Company for a large sum of money. He wanted to devote all his time to realizing his dream of manufacturing and distributing chocolate, while giving generously to philanthropic causes.
Today, ‘Hershey’ is a household name.
Are you right in front of a difficulty that seems overwhelming? Like Milton Hershey, take one more step forward. There is hope beyond what you face now. You’re too close to stop, for God, who has put the desire within your heart, will surely lead you to its possession. The Bible tells us, “Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
So hold an optimistic outlook. Speak aloud confirmatory words. And believe you will attain positive outcomes. In the Scriptures I read that when speaking to the Centurion who had a servant that was ill, Jesus said, “and as you have believed, so let it be done for you” (Matthew 8:13). To the parents of a sick child, Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). And Jesus told the two blind men who were healed, “According to your faith let it be to you” (Matthew 9:29).
What we think and what we say has a way of coming true. Thus, try this: Take out your Bible. Find one of God’s promises for your particular situation. Attach a promise to the problem. Next, speak aloud the promise in faith.
• All the odds might be against success. However, say: “God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:32).
• Perhaps, the report doesn’t look good. Although, say, “I called to God for help and He healed me” (Psalm 30:2).
• Maybe there could be cause to worry. But, say, “God has me in the palm of His hand” (Isaiah 49:16).
• Situations may have been unfair. Nonetheless, say “God is my vindicator” (Psalm 4:2).
• One plan possibly did not work out. Yet, say, “God promises that He still has a good plan upcoming to give me hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
You never can tell how close you are to your objective… you may be closer to achievement than you think. I remember when a friend of mine’s son wanted to apply to an Ivy League college; but someone made a negative remark to him stating, “You will never get into that school. Don’t even bother submitting an application.” As that unconstructive comment moved through my friend’s son’s mind, the determined teenager said to himself, “I am going to try anyhow, because I believe this is where the Lord wants me.” That young man let his faith and his heart lead the way. He applied to that Ivy League school and you know what? He was accepted with a scholarship! And he graduated with high honors.
Today is a pivotal day. Let go of negative comments from others, the setbacks and unfair situations of the past. God has a bigger purpose in mind for you, so just keep taking steps ahead and trust in Him. He is at work on your behalf. Recently, reveling in the crisp autumn air and changing leaves, I went shopping at a local farm market. There, I saw a woman who was wearing a blue maternity top with white letters in the front of the top that read: ‘A miracle in the making.’
I want to encourage you all, dear readers, to find the strength to persevere in spite of overwhelming obstacles or if the world says to ‘give up’ or ‘it can’t be done.’ A miracle is in the making for you.
We must believe in our own worth and aim for the highest, making a total effort. Because it does not matter how unfeasible something appears or how slowly we walk to get there, as long as we continue to stay on course and keep on going, we can reach the wonderful goal. The tide is getting ready to turn. You’re close to your breakthrough. Circumstances will quickly change. There will be new friendships, new opportunities, and new joys in your future.
Therefore, with gladness, hour-by hour, and day-by-day, keep on striving, press onward and move forward. God is saying to you today, “I will be with you.”
The time is here; your season of blessings has arrived.