Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tenacious


Tenacious

Word of the Day

tenacious \tuh-NAY-shus\ adjective
Meaning (Merriam-Webster)
1 a : not easily pulled apart : cohesive b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance
2 *a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired b : retaining knowledge easily

Example Sentence: Eugene's tenacious auditioning finally paid off when he landed the part of Romeo in the upcoming Shakespeare festival.

Some people have more grit than others. They set their jaw and hunker down with whatever it takes to finish the job. They don’t stop until it’s completely done. Then they organize their tools, ready to tackle the next project.

I browsed www.reeffrontiers.com early this morning and admired a remodel: a young man cut a hole in the wall of his house, built a lean-to that matched his house’s exterior for all the fish stuff, and rearranged 300 lbs of corals and rock. Within six weeks, he had a stunning saltwater tank… nicely trimmed, set in the living room wall. His wife lost interest in his work after three weeks—his first estimate of the job—so there is a gap in photos she took of the process. (I confess she’s on my timeline for remodels.)

We can tell what’s important to us by our tenacity. When we really care, we hang on and work through the initial excitement, the creative high, and the unexpected glitches. We scour for more resources and always pay a steeper price than the first estimate. When boredom or challenges discourages us, we may wonder what we were thinking when we started!

Whether it’s a project, ministry, or relational goal, let’s listen carefully for where God is at work. Then, keeping in mind the satisfaction of finishing the task in partnership with Him, we can be tenacious, work with all our might, and never, ever give up until we’re done. No matter who says it won’t work. Not derailed or quitting because it’s too hard or the cost seems too high.

Write me a note about where you persisted and what you accomplished… I’ll share our stories so that we can all be inspired for opportunities ahead. {Want to stay anonymous? Let me know not to post a name.}


Read more:
*And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD of Heaven's Armies was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:9 NEV

*But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hands, deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love. Psalm 31:14-16 NIV

*(Jesus) "Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." John 6:27

*Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NEV

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