There is no substitute for perseverance

When it comes to finding our place in this world, let's consider two categories. The first one, let's call "floating down the river." Imagine someone napping in a small boat without a compass or a paddle and not caring about where they are going. Having a spectator mentality, they have yet to understand the importance of having an intentional direction and instead settle for just hoping for the best. They are comfortable with what they do not know and believe that everything will somehow be alright. Our second way of thinking involves listening and developing an awareness of our personal accountability to ourselves, those around us, and, of course, God, the one who made us. Until we embrace the reality that He has a specific meaning and purpose for our lives, we will not fulfill our potential.

As a substitute teacher, I have the honor to help children learn, and while in this position, I observe different types of personalities and attitudes. I notice that those who are eager to absorb knowledge and excel are enthusiastic about all subjects. I believe when kids are encouraged at home, and education is a priority, this transfers over to the student as it opens their eyes to encouraging possibilities and opportunities. On the other hand, when children are looking out the window and doodling on their papers instead of answering the questions, it seems they are not only bored with the subject matter, but have made a mental decision to refuse to learn. Do some have a resistance to change because they are afraid of failing?

Being a minister, I also volunteer at our local detention center a couple of times a month, where I speak to the inmates about God and the Christian life. For those who ask God to intervene, and agree to let go of their ways, our team will baptize and serve them communion, and try to help them all we can. I've heard some heartbreaking stories from these individuals, and often, they testify about having a hard life at home when they were kids. They lost interest in school, started running with a bad crowd, and it's been a downhill slide ever since. Some admit they are on the bottom, with terrible personal problems, and have burned every bridge, but of course, it's never too late to ask for God's help.

God's love encourages and motivates us, but another aspect of success is to realize there are certain conditions and responsibilities on our part for His plan to be fully activated. It will require surrendering our will to him. You see, with God being the Potter and us being the clay, it's critical to accept the fact that we do not conveniently add God to the plans we already have, but rather we must allow Him to transform us into His brand new creation. One of the basic attitudes I see all the time is "I don't care." So what makes people rise from the ashes of apathy, rebellion, and discouragement? Well, personal change is not easy, and anyone who advertises how wonderful it is to sacrifice, suffer, and step into a lifestyle completely opposite to their comfort zone is not being honest. There's nothing wrong with reading books about how others have conquered their demons, but even if someone understands what it will take, this does not automatically mean they will do it.

Sadly, many are only trying to survive today, without a desire to plan for tomorrow. If you've ever tried to help someone find their direction, you understand when I say we cannot force anyone to do anything, especially those who are not willing to help themselves. In every area of life, the ones who desire a healthy state of being must comprehend the truth about their own responsibilities and be willing to do something about it. Beyond the motivational seminars, the Bible studies, and achievement formulas, it will take a personal revelation, an enlightenment of the mind and soul, to have faith in ourselves the way God has hope in us. Whether we are young or old, being an overcomer requires seeking, praying, and working, and living in denial and blaming everyone for our problems only makes it worse. I have compassion for those whose parents failed them and know those who still struggle from neglect. Life has always seemed like a huge mountain that was impossible to climb. There is no substitute for perseverance, as it's true, "We cannot lower the mountain, therefore we must elevate ourselves."

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.