Tenacity

 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)

The sight was inspiring. How a flower seed made its way under the driveway was a mystery, but the wonder was how it managed to break its way through the concrete. A tenacious and determined seed had hope of sending down roots and making its way into the sunlight. Determination turned into accomplishment as the sprout broke through the surface and a beautiful purple petunia blossomed. Though hope for the seed’s survival seemed impossible, tenacity overcame all obstacles, and the seed bloomed because it was rooted in good soil and reached for life-sustaining light..

Life is often a struggle: doing what you know you are supposed to do and not doing what you know you shouldn’t—both take steady determination with dependence on God’s help. In striving for righteousness, you may lose heart when you fail. But as you persevere, rooted, and grounded in Christ Jesus, you, too, can push your way through the “concrete” of life with sprouts that bloom for God’s glory.

God always leads His children on the pathway to righteous living but will never force obedience. Each child of God must make that choice—a determined decision. You know what He expects, and you know what you must do, so press forward, reaching for God’s light, His excellency. When you yield to His authority, the desire carried out will be “sweet to your soul” (v. 19)—you will sprout and blossom for God’s glory. Beautiful flowers await your decision.