Today, like millions of others around the world, I had the pleasure of watching Barack Obama officially become the 44th President of the United States. Although I privately watched this episode from the confines of my hotel room in Southern California, I must say that the electricity that I felt during his inaugural address was just as intense as if I was personally there by his side. But, the entire time that President Obama was speaking, I couldn’t help but imagine the many struggles that he had gone through to get to that point–the absence of his father, the death of his grandmother, being ostracized by others when he first emerged on the political scene, and not to mention the many death threats that he has received over the past two years of his campaign. Any of these, alone, would be enough to cause most of us to throw in our cards and say, “I quit.”
And while I quickly pondered over the potential sacrifices of Mr. Obama, I couldn’t help but wonder about the sacrifices of others that helped to propel our nation to this great period in history. Martin, Malcolm, Harriett, and Rosa, to name a few, all persevered during terrible times in which many of us would have thrown in the towel. And as I breifly pondered on the lives of these inspirational figures, I quickly wondered what were the details of their mental conversation during those times when they wanted to quit. How did they persevere when times were the toughest? Maybe if I could understand the message they received, or what helped them overcome those tough periods, I would be able to draw encouragement during my own periods of turmoil.
Over the course of my life, I have gone through many struggles. And while the old adage, “New levels, new devils,” remains to ring true in my life, I can’t help but cry out to God to carry me through what may currently be one of the most pivotal points in my life and in my spiritual walk. And while He has delivered me from many pits of turmoil before, now, I am in need of strength and encouragement to endure my most recent trials that truly make me want to quit. And just when I am almost convinced that I don’t have what it takes to endure my current struggles, I cry out, “God, I need you! Give me strength as this burden seems too great. I FEEL LIKE I AM ALL ALONE IN THIS! Lord, I need you! Help me, please.”
Assumingly like that of those that struggled before me, God answered my prayer with these words: “You have been called for a great purpose. Many are called, but few are chosen. You must know that I am with you always. And yes, I know it is not easy, BUT THE BLESSING IS GREAT!”
“…but the blessing is great.” Those words have been echoed in my mind for several hours. “…but the blessing is great!” While many people may think that the word blessing is only limited to financial well-being, I am encouraged in knowing that it also includes overwhelming peace and joy. I am strengthened by the realization that it also refers to the manifestation of the vision that God has given me. “The blessing is great.” These words shall encourage me through my current trials and into the next levels that God is preparing me for.
Like me, you may be experiencing a tough time, or new struggles, in your life. And while it may get tough, and you may want to quit, I encourage you by letting you know that just like those that persevered before us, we have been created with GREAT purpose. And though it may be hard at this time, the blessing is great.
For those of you that are going through a tough period, whether it be on your job, relationships, financial, or family, write me. Let me know what you are going through and let’s encourage each other and pray for one another.
Let me know your thoughts.
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