“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NLT)

There’s an old story about a person who tried and failed many times to create a new lemon-lime-flavored drink. He called his first attempt 1 Up (it failed). And he called his second attempt 2 Up, and it too failed. And time and time again, he tried and failed, and finally, feeling completely defeated, he quit at 6 Up! He never knew how close he had come to success when he gave up. Although this story is obviously contrived, it does present a valid point. Many give up too soon. Thomas Edison, on the other hand, tried hundreds of times to find the right material that would work as a filament for the lightbulb, and he finally succeeded because he didn’t quit until he did. Another good example of perseverance was Babe Ruth, one of the best baseball players ever, who hit 714 home runs in his career, a record that stood for almost 40 years. But he also struck out 1,330 times. Among his many successes were twice as many failures, but he wasn’t defined by his failures but instead by his amazing successes. 

Therefore

As you end this year, do a personal survey of the successes you had this year and praise God for them. Also, as you see negative things that may have happened over the year, make a list of the good things you have learned from them. Finally, set your sights on the next year with a fresh determination to put God first in everything you do. 

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:2 ESV)

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:31-33 ESV)