Thomas Edison conducted over ten thousand experiments before he became successful in producing the electric light bulb. When some asked him if he wanted to quit he replied, "No, I have learned ten thousand ways it will not work. I know I am getting close to success, because I have tried most of the ways that will not work." That's what I call tenacity!

          I fear that most of us give up too easily in the pursuit of our spiritual goals. We make plans or set our goals so that we can grow in the Lord. Then, because the way is difficult, we become discouraged and we quit. I'm not talking about coming to worship. I am talking about ceasing to pursue our dreams and goals for spiritual development. Perhaps we need to look at Thomas Edison again. What if Edison had given up on inventing the electric lightbulb after 1000 tries? Do you think anyone would have faulted him? Probably not. Most would have applauded the effort. Yet, Mr. Edison kept on trying more than ten thousand times before achieving success. We need that kind of spiritual tenacity in order to succeed in our spiritual goals. Once our goals are set, we need to map out a plan to achieve our dreams. Once mapped out, we need to begin doing those things that will bring our goals to fruition. Somewhere along the way we might taste failure. If so, we just need to adjust the steps being taken and keep on trying. What we learn from Edison is that we must never give up! We must keep on trying to succeed. Eventually, God will give us the victory.

          In his book Power to Become, Gynnath Ford tells the story of a man who entered a race. "He was running well ahead of the others. His confidence was high until some-one accelerated past him as if he were standing still. He was so discouraged he dropped out of the race. When the winner was announced, he learned that the young man who passed him had been disqualified because of his age. If he had only stayed in the race, he would have won." Sadly, he had not finished the race! Never give up on your spiritual goals. Be determined to go the distance!

-- George Carman

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