We all have those times in our lives when we just don’t want to do something. Or when something gets to be too challenging or seem to just not be working, we respond by forsaking that task all together for something that might be easier to accomplish. Or possibly, when we get too tired or fed up with how long something is taking, we decide to be lazy for a while by take a break and do something that we prefer.

The only problem is that this, to God, is call faintheartedness, which has the definition of a person who may decide to do something, but in response to the first distraction or hardship they encounter, quickly forsakes their resolve to accomplish their goal. When we put it that way, it does sound pretty bad.

“But stuff is hard.” “I get tired easily.” “What’s the point when nothing seems to be working.” “It’s only a short break, even though I did fall asleep last time.” “What’s wrong with trying something different?”

These are all things that I have personally said to myself to justify my times of faintheartedness. But it isn’t until recently that I learned that my excuses are actually preventing me from trusting God and determining to fulfill God’s plan for my life.

Determination is purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition. So, when those difficult situations come up and all I want is to give up, He in fact wants me to persevere through it with His help.

He tells us to expect challenges or opposition to the goals he has set for us. The devil will do all he can to stop us from fulfilling God’s plans. He can use anything or anyone to discourage us. Our own friends or family may say that we are too young, not good enough, or that it is a waste of time, but God promises to help believers to get to the point where they can believe, that they can do it.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

If we are determined then we will look for ways to overcome the obstacles and press on towards accomplishing our God give goals. Sometimes there may be some risk or loss involved, but the sacrifices we make will be a small comparison to the end rewards.

We can’t be so focused on our comfort and popularity that we fail at completing the tasks that God has given each and every one of us. Anything worth pursuing in life will require work. Exercising our faith and exerting our energy to develop our God-given talents will be well worth our time and effort. Plus, it will equip us to serve God and others more efficiently in the future.

When God calls us to a task, He promises to give us the grace to persevere, the strength to overcome difficulties (if we let him), and the wisdom to find a way around obstacles. All we need is a little faith in God and then do as God leads.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.