Hard Work Pays Off In The End

The old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is a principle that correctly applies to anything worth building in life.  One lesson at a time we learn a new skill.  One positive choice at a time a strong character is formed.  One wound at a time, we are healed. It’s hard work but the end result is worth it.

Growing and being renewed day by day is part of our physical, emotional, and spiritual life.  God has provided help for us in the Bible, including principles we can learn that will strengthen us to steadily move forward, and give us hope for the future.

Do all you can to add to your life these things: to your faith add goodness; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add patience; to your patience add devotion to God; to your devotion add kindness toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and to this kindness add love.

2 Peter 1:5-8

We learn the lessons we need to learn one day at a time and, while we wish we could run miles ahead we may be plodding along on any given day.  When it comes to the above list of ways we are meant to grow, there is a lifetime of lessons to be learned. 

God encourages us to add to what we practiced yesterday and invites us to focus on the part of the journey we are learning about today. We should not give up if we fail to practice everything we have learned, and we should not slow down and be lazy because we’ve already learnt some things. 

It’s encouraging that God tells us to, ”Do all you can…” God knows us and knows what we are capable of doing in a day.  His expectations are not unrealistic.  We may feel stretched, but God will never expect more of us than what we can handle.  God will always be near to us and will strengthen us as we grow in our love for Him and for others. 

Loving God, in the everyday ordinary struggle that is part of life we want to be faithful.  We want to keep wanting what You want even while we struggle to learn and grow in Your ways.  We’re so grateful that You know how to get us to the finish line and promise to be with us all through the journey.  Thank you for the promise in Your word that:

God began a good work in you. And I am sure that he will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

Help us to recognize Your guidance today and persevere one choice at a time to do what pleases You.  Amen

The kind of change and character building that will last into eternity takes some time and a lot of simple commitment to steady growth.  Let’s give it one more day, shall we.