Determination Delivers

PresbyCan Daily Devotional

They were our neighbours, and they loved Christmas.
The first church I pastored was a small congregation located several miles out in the country. Our next-door neighbours were a retired pastor and his family. Although it was only him, his wife, and their adult daughter, they had a large extended family.
When the Christmas holidays arrived, so did all the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. The old farmhouse was spacious but not enough for each of them to have their own rooms and beds. No problem. They loved family, wanted them there, and stacked them on the floor like cordwood. Getting up at night for a visit to the bathroom or kitchen could be treacherous. But no one complained. They enjoyed being together for the holidays and wouldn't have thought about holing up in a motel. Determination to be together led them to re-arrange the house so everyone could find a place to sleep.
Jesus once told a parable that set a similar scenario involving determination.
Luke 11:5b-8 – Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, "A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat." And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, "Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you." But I tell you this — though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. (NLT)
His determination won the day — and the food.
Determination demonstrates our sincerity and moves us forward in God's work. The midnight caller determined to find food for his friend, who had called at a late hour. Societal rules demanded this courtesy. Had this friend refused him, he would have tried another.
Our neighbours were equally determined to find room for their large family. When we're determined, we'll do more for God, not less, and He won't have to beg us to work for Him.
Determination is usually met with rewards. It did for the friend at midnight. Now he wouldn't have to return to his house and cook for this midnight caller. Although our determination is sometimes overlooked in life, God says He will reward our faithful, sincere service now and in the hereafter.
God is determined to carry out His plan for our lives and this world. He wants us to be equally determined to do our best for Him.
How can you be more determined in your work for God?
Prayer: Father, increase my determination to do my best for You. Amen.