If at first you don’t succeed …

Theme: If at first you don’t succeed …

Verse: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the movie “Hitch”. It has nothing to do with sports (unless you consider jet-skiing a sport), so yes, I can use movie examples that are NOT sports related. The scene from the movie that applies today is when Hitch says, “Do you know the definition of "perseverance,", Miss Melas? Continuing in a course of action... without regard to discouragement, opposition, or previous failure.”

For those unfamiliar with the story, Alex (Hitch) Hitchens (Will Smith) is a dating coach with Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) as a client. Hitch is helping Albert attract a celebrity client that is kind of “out of his league.” Meanwhile Hitch has his own dating drama. There are lots of ups and downs in the pursuit of their respective goals, but my takeaway was both gentlemen knew their objective and were determined to reach it even if it meant resorting to unorthodox methods.

So, what are we chasing? It doesn’t matter if it is a personal best in running a race or a better relationship with our Lord, there are going to be some hiccups. What happens when the path isn’t a smooth one? Do we give up or do we persevere?

Don’t worry if you are not a perfect Christian. God is molding us into being more like Jesus every day through each of our experiences. Along the way think about Hitch’s definition of perseverance. Continue on that course of action, without regard to whatever roadblock(s) the world puts in front of you.

Be confident during the trials because, though it may take a while, as we pursue Kingdom work, we will be rewarded with victory at the end!

Have a GREAT week!

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley