Do It Anyway

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

I love how God uses people or maybe there are angels on Earth to keep us focused. Several years ago, I sat in an 8am service by myself, feeling very “by myself”. I don’t remember the message, but I do remember that it made me tear up.

I returned to my desk to find a piece of paper, purposely anonymous… here is what it said:

While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10)

.
DO IT ANYWAY
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for the underdog anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help, but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you’ve got and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

And attached was a little prayer that I have prayed many times over the year: “Lord, I purpose today not to listen to my detractors or look to the left or the right, but to stay on the clear, sure path you have set before me.”

I thank God for how He used the purposely anonymous in my life on a day\season of ministry when I needed encouragement to persevere.  This has hung in my office for 5 or 6 years. I would love to know who gave this to me…hint, hint!

{Lord, I purpose today not to listen to my detractors or look to the left or the right, but to stay on the clear, sure path you have set before me. Please help me give You everything today. Amen.}

Day 10 – PURE joy

Melissa Cardwell

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3  (NIV)

Consider it PURE joy when we go through trials of every kind. What a crazy statement! In this world, it seems that we would be more joyful going through peaceful times. But when looking at it from a perspective outside of our own, God shows us that it really is a blessing to persevere through the stressful, sad, anxious, and trying times. This life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Over time, we start to develop the ability to keep on running even though we’re tired, have a cramp, and can barely breathe anymore. But the finish line is so near. It’s so promising. So, we persevere. We need to keep persevering, because when we do, we will receive God’s blessings and will bless others along the way.

{Lord, give me strength as I try to persevere through the troubles in this world. I know that you will hold and guide me through the good and bad, but please show yourself to me in those times. Let me see your works in every area of my life. Let me be a beacon of light in this world as I face the struggles in my own life. Please use and guide me in all that I do. In Your name.}

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