Throughout history we can recognize the drive of God in the persistence of men and women who set out to make a positive difference for the good of the people even when they faced all odds. It did not matter what they faced or whether they stood all alone because they knew the drive and direction that was given by God that strengthened their faith to make something better for the people.

Noah did not quit his task when the people mocked him for building a boat when they had never experienced rain. Abraham did not disobey God when the Lord gave him instructions nor did he give up on pleading with God to spare the righteous in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed. Joseph did not give up just because others gave up on him or because of his circumstances in life. Moses never asked for his job nor did he even think that he was qualified. Ruth remained strong in character and true to God even when the society around her was collapsing. Samuel did not go back to sleep when Eli told him to just lay back down! David was the least of all his brothers but had the heart of a lion when someone spoke against our living God. Esther risked her life for the life of others when she went against the traditions that were followed by the people. Job did not give in to Satan when he suffered so greatly even when those around him made false accusations. Daniel never gave in to man for what he knew was right in his heart by God! Nehemiah did not give in just because the task was so large and the people that he had to face!

John The Baptist did not detour from God’s calling because the way people looked at him for how he appeared on the outside because he knew who was directing him on the inside! Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior did not detour from God’s message when He taught us how to love and forgive those which do not understand God’s eternal plan in this fallen land. Nor did Paul allow his previous life to detour him from the message that he was to deliver when he saw the light in Jesus Christ!

Martin Luther did not give in to the Pope nor to the Roman Catholics when he took a stand in 1517 strongly disputing the church and following God. Our American ancestors did not allow Britain to rob them of their freedom in religion nor did they allow their fears to stop them from moving across the seas in the 1700′s. Benjamin Franklin did not allow his age to stop him at 70 years old when he wanted to help his country win the American Revolution. James Armistead, a brave African American, did not subdue because of his color! Thomas Jefferson did not stand for someone to think that they were above another when he helped write the Declaration of Independence! Benjamin Banneker, an African American, did not allow his fears to stop him from writing our leaders about ending slavery here in America. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not give in when he saw something that was not right! Nor did Billy Graham waver from his commitment in serving God and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Throughout history many men and women have persevered and overcome tough situations because they put their trust in God rather than allowing the world to hold them back. No matter who we are or where we have been it is vital to recognize how God is the one who picks us up and lays us down to serve His purpose and not our own! The Lord gives us our inner confidence and drive that will not sway in this world until our job is done and it is our place to do the best we can in everyday that we have been given. By living our lives as an example under Christ it teaches our children to never lose hope no matter what they have to face. Because with God “All Things Are Possible” even when the world seems to be falling apart!

It is in the persistence of men and women that never give up, when we can see God at work in making a positive difference for our children’s future! I challenge you today and every other day to strengthen yourself in the Lord and allow the love of Jesus to shine in your life like never before! It is when we know that Greater Is He that Is In Us Than He That Is In This World that we will find strength to overcome our obstacles in life! Never lose Hope no matter what you face or for what you have been through because it is when we let go of ourselves that God will take over and carry us forward…Amen

James A. Harrison
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