Sometimes we want to be the BEST at everything – RIGHT AWAY! But we soon learn that to reach a goal takes practice, patience and determination. Do we ever give up quickly when we don’t seem to see any progress? Have we ever tried something once, felt bad because it didn’t turn out the way we expected and then quit? Let’s turn this negative type of attitude around!
Learning new things is hard and many obstacles can stand in the way of our goal. But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean we give up. Nobody was born playing the piano or scoring from the 3-point line. Hard work and a good attitude can help us get far! But it can take time to reach our goal. Don’t give up!
For example, in the Old Testament, God specifically told the Israelites not to be discouraged (see Deuteronomy 1:21) and to move forward into their new land. But they thought it would be too hard – even impossible. In Deuteronomy they said, (1:28, NLT) “Where can we go? …The people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are, and their towns are large with walls rising high into the sky.” They were discouraged and ready to give up.
Sometimes OUR problem may seem like “a town with large walls rising high into the sky”! But there is a wise saying: Experience is the best teacher. This means that trying our best and making mistakes is part of the learning process. But if we fail, an attitude of complaining, getting angry or giving up prevents us from learning how to work through our frustrations in a healthy way.
For example, let’s take a goal like learning about four people of the Bible. Rather than trying to do that all in one day, let's break that down into more manageable chunks. Maybe you will learn about a new person every week. Your parents can help you make the list. Start reading and make notes using your Bible, children’s books about the Bible or appropriate websites. Just think: every week, you’ll know more than you did the week before. And in one month, you will have accomplished your goal!
Our intentions may be good, but we are all imperfect human beings. We have to keep trying! Even when we try to serve God, we make mistakes. Proverbs (24:16, NLT) says, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again…”
The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians: (15:58, NLT) “…be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” The more we learn to practice something and not give up, the more goals we'll be able to accomplish as a result…tackling bigger ones as we get older.
So, how do we keep trying when things are hard? First, let’s check our attitude. Try to overcome those feelings of wanting to give up too quickly. Next, set small, realistic goals in order to accomplish what you want to do. If you fail or make a mistake, pick yourself back up and try again!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
