"Keep at It!"

“Keep at It!”

According to statistics, professional hockey goalies stop about 90% of shots aimed at the net. This means only one in ten results in a score. A baseball player is considered to be a good hitter if he bats .300. So he’s unsuccessful in 70% of his official plate appearances. Pastor Rick Warren’s church in Southern California has reached a high level but he once wrote they’ve tried more things that didn’t work than did. And who could forget Thomas Edison’s attempts to develop the light bulb? When someone asked him how he felt about his inability to find a suitable material for the filament which could withstand the heat he responded, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” (How’s that for optimism?)

What would have happened if those cited above had thrown in the towel and seen themselves as incompetent underachievers? The world would never have heard of Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky; Hank Aaron or Ted Williams; or Saddleback Valley Community Church. And we may never have enjoyed the benefits of light bulbs, phonographs, and a myriad of other inventions from Edison’s imagination. These kept at it where others gave up and the results made history in their various fields.

During the throes of World War II Winston Churchill gave a speech at Harrow School. The address consisted of 32 words, the key phrase being, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never….” His persevering leadership in those trying times was a major factor in the Allies’ victory and preservation of freedom. Had he not kept at it and challenged others to do the same history would likely have taken a very different course.

Solomon wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Just before Calvary Jesus reminded His disciples that their work wouldn’t be easy (“In this world you will have trouble.”) but He also gave them hope (“…Take heart! I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33). And Paul encourages his readers, “Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (Galatians 6:9, NLT). God’s message to us is clear: “Keep at it! You don’t know the outcome, but I do! See what I’ll do through you as you trust Me.”

Am I listening? Are you?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan