#Determination

Determination, our Made to Crave word last week, is firmness of purpose; resoluteness.  I've been contemplating that word and what it means to me on my journey.  I am determined to get healthy, determined to write more, determined to be more positive, determined to stop the worry and leave it with God... determined, determined, determined, and (hear me sigh) determined.  I have wanted to do those things so many times in the past, started, and then... well nothing.  I just give in, quit, become sidetracked.  There are always "reasons," but let's be real, they are just excuses to fail.

So why would I think this time is different?  My resolve is solid and I have a system of accountability in place.  I don't want to let myself down, you down, and more importantly God down.  I am focused as never before and God is at the center of that focus.  That's not to say I will not get discouraged, last week was huge in the discouragement department.  There were days the enemy flooded me with negativity and I just wanted to quit.  I got behind on my Bible study.  I felt fat and as if I had lost ground.  But guess what?  The devil is a liar.  I had not lost ground, the enemy just wanted me to think that way.  His plan to make me quit was thwarted because I am determined to see this through.

 I'm not perfect and that's okay because God knew that from the start.  He knew every obstacle I would encounter and He has provided me with a Scripture to conquer each of them.  If this was a smooth journey everyone would take it.  If it was all sunshine there would be no moments of success to spur me on.  I wouldn't need determination if it was a cake walk to the goal.  The difficult days will not defeat me, they will give me a greater resolve to press on.  Determination, God has instilled it deep within me for the journey He has set me on.

~ Chelle Prell,#F8ithgal
   https://www.facebook.com/f8ithgal
   2/2/14