Remain on Your Mark, Never Giving Up

SouledOut Teenagers' Week 2023

By Bro. Jeremiah Johnson

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” -Dale Carnegie 

Perseverance is the ability to pursue a goal or passion despite any obstacles or set-backs that we may encounter.

 It is the ability to self-regulate and practice self-control under dire situations by prioritizing sustainable future rewards over short-term pleasures in the present. 

It is vital that we persevere in achieving our goals because it allows us to overcome obstacles, learn from our mistakes, build our character, and set examples for others. 

James 1:2-4. Paul first regarded Mark as unreliable, as we would any young teenager but later said: “Young Mark is useful to the Kingdom of God,” and “ profitable”  for Paul’s ministry.” 2 Tim 4:11. 

In Acts 15:36-40, we see a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take Mark on a missionary journey due to his previous departure from them. 

However, Mark later proved himself and became a valuable companion to Paul. Mark’s life reminds us to remain steadfast and resilient in our faith, even when facing adversity. 

Gal 6:9 encourages us to persevere in doing good deeds and maintaining faith even when faced with challenges. Just as athletes on the tracks for a race, we must maintain a posture of being ready to move and never give up. 

We must remain on our marks! We do not go through hard times for no reason, so we must per-severe because it will bring us all-around growth and stronger faith (Rom 5:3-4). Our God is a Faithful God. 

He promises to never leave nor forsake us. It doesn’t matter how hard, how many times, or how hard we’ve attempted something, we must dust ourselves and try again and again. Remain committed to the task and learn from your mistakes. 

May perseverance finish its work in us so that we may all be mature and complete, not lacking anything, in Jesus Name.  

You will have good success this 2023. 

Remain blessed.  

Shalom.