Never quit; you never know what’s around the corner

A while back, I read a book about Thomas Edison. As many of us know, he tried more than ten thousand times before he invented the light bulb. When Edison . . .

A while back, I read a book about Thomas Edison. As many of us know, he tried more than ten thousand times before he invented the light bulb. When Edison was interviewed about the fact that he failed thousands of times in his attempt, Edison eliminated the word “failed” and replied, “I’ve had thousands of learning experiments that didn’t work. I had to run through enough learning experiences to find a way that did work.”

Imagine what would happen if we all pursued our heart’s aspirations with that same gusto and enthusiasm? I wonder, even if we experienced initial negative responses or setbacks, what could come about in our lives if we went after our goals with positive expectation and full focus?

So, don’t think that it’s too late to succeed. Never think you are finished if you had a setback, made a mistake, or a situation did not go the way you thought it would. God has many blessings in store for you just ahead. Nothing is beyond your reach. God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Hence, never quit. And like Edison, you never know what’s around the corner.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela. There is something important for you to accomplish. So, don’t be afraid to persist and take steps ahead, because you are stuck in the pain of the past or held back by disappointments or regrets. Do not put off pursuing the dreams that God has placed in your heart. Or allow anything to hold you back. Be determined to follow your dreams and press on! For you have what it takes to achieve success.

No matter what you’re going though, if you are going to reach your highest potential, you must make up your mind that you are not going to relinquish your goals. While competing in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a world-class marathon runner from Tanzania took a horrible fall. It was early in the race. There was some jockeying for position between some of the runners. And with the suddenness of a lightning bolt, the Tanzania runner was hit. As he stumbled downward, he smashed his shoulder against the pavement, and he badly wounded his knee. However, he got back up and continued onward.

In extreme pain and considering the severity of his wounds, the runner was asked repeatedly to quit the race. But the Tanzanian

said, “No.” He did not give up. Despite his injuries, he persevered courageously, hobbling along. Unwavering, the runner was determined to finish the 26-mile-long marathon.

As the other competitors, one by one, crossed the finish line, he remained on the track. For more than an hour, slowly, he kept on running. The Tanzanian’s spirit was unbreakable. He was determined to finish what he started.

Pushing through the pain, step by step he car

ried on. Finally, with cheers from the crowd, he hurled himself across the finish-line.

Later, a sports reporter asked him, “Why didn’t you quit? After sustaining the kinds of injuries that you did, why would you ever get up and proceed to the finish line when there was no way you could possibly place in the race?”

With a never-give-up, undefeatable spirit, John Stephen Akhwari replied, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to Mexico City to finish the race.” Akhwari will be remembered for generations to come.

Is there a dream in your heart that you have pushed to the side? Giving up was not an option for Akhwari, and it’s not an option for you either. No matter what has transpired in your life, regardless of what you’re going through or what has happened in the past, God is saying to you now, “If there were ever a time not to give up, this is it.”

Therefore, press on with faith and trust in God. Do not think that someone who didn’t come from influence, who may be lessskilled, or had some setbacks is at a disadvantage. With God, the underdog can make possible what might seem otherwise improbable to others.

Get ready. God has handfuls of blessings for your future. And so, “always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1). “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11). For, “God is doing a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:19) and “He is a shield unto them who put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5). Right now, God is working in your circumstances. In the near future, He will be bringing you greater opportunities for you to release your full potential. Therefore, “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7).

Recently, I received a letter from a reader, “Hi Catherine - I wanted to share a story with you: My late grandfather used to cut out your columns and send them to me when I was away at college back in 2008-2009. I was suffering through depression, loneliness, and was making questionable life choices. I felt so directionless and deeply unhappy. I was raised in a spiritual home, but had truly lost my way at that point.”

With compassion, I continued reading her words. “Each of my grandfather’s letters came on a ripped-out sheet of notebook paper (slightly faded), and your article of the week, clipped out from the newspaper. I know that my grandfather knew that I was hurting, and wanted to encourage me without being obvious - that wasn’t the way of his generation. After he passed suddenly in 2011, I brought out his letters and your columns to re-read the wisdom that was included from him (and you!) to me. I want to say thank you to you, as well, as I needed your tidbits and reminders to stay faithful to begin seeing clearly again. I have kept every single letter, as I know my grandfather lives on through their pages. You are appreciated.”

Dear readers, I appreciate you! Thus, all throughout the day, positively declare, “God is guiding me to victory,” “I will conquer this challenge,” and “opportunities are coming my way.” Then, continue to persevere toward your hopes and dreams. And I will be here to cheer you on!