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Success
There is no success without labor. Paul said (1 Corinthians 15:9,10) "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
The secret of success is to be like a duck—smooth and unruffled on top, but paddling furiously underneath. But we should relentlessly seek the truth and not be ruffled by the corruption we may encounter in the world. And should we become aware of corruption, labor vigorously to do what we can to expose it or at least avoid it on our own behalf.
When everything seems to go wrong, take Paul’s advice (Philippines 3:14)
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." To avoid the evil around us does take some labor on our part, we must at least recognize it for what it is and do something about it and trust God to "lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil." We must also be persistent, as Winston Churchill once said, "Never, never, never, never give up."
Nicolo Paganini was a well-known 19th century violinist. His most memorable concert, however, was one marked by "furious paddling" rather than easy success. The concert was performed with a full orchestra before a packed house in Italy. Those who heard him play say that Paganini's technique was incredible, and his tone fantastic. Toward the end of the concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with a very difficult composition when one string on his violin suddenly snapped and hung limply. Paganini frowned only briefly, shook his head, and continued to play, improvising beautifully.
Then to the surprise of all, including Paganini, a second string broke. Shortly thereafter a third string snapped. It seemed like a slapstick comedy routine as Paganini stood before the crowd with strings dangling down from his Stradivarius. Instead of leaving the stage to make repairs, he stood firm. He calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string—a performance that won applause, admiration, and enduring fame.
Your best may very well be that performed under tough and unusual circumstances! Jesus, in Mark 16:15 is saying to us, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature".
He did not say it would always be easy, but He did say, in Matthew 28:20..." lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age".
And what are you going to be doing today?
Solomon’s Porch Thought for the Day
"The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes:
the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalms 9:16
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