Do you ever wonder what the world would be like today if inventors and scientists like Albert Einstein had lacked courage to persevere through failure to pursue the unknown? Our concepts of time and space, energy and matter have transformed life on planet earth because he had courage to not turn back.
What if medical researcher and virologist Jonas Salk quit his research after 6 grueling years and never developed one of the first successful polio vaccines during his 7th year of research? We would not have seen the elimination of the transmission of polio within the United States in just 25 years following the release of Jonah Salk's world changing vaccine.
Let's remember a few Bible characters who in times of great opposition had "courage to not turn back". We read the story of two courageous women, widows, traveling from a land of famine to a place of provision. Ruth's words to Naomi reveals the determination of her desperate heart and life. "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God." (Ruth 1:16).
And later we see Ruth's great grandson David as he began taking steps toward the fight of his life, facing one of the greatest enemies of Israel. This young shepherd chose to keep moving forward to confront and kill Israel's foe. David went from a place of seemingly certain death-to surprising victory! His choice to courageously confront his enemy brought breakthrough and transformed Israel's future.
We also learn of those who turned back and failed to walk in courage. Samuel the prophet reminds us of God's words regarding King Saul. "Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night." (1 Samuel 15:11).
In Acts 7 we are reminded that the children of Israel who "in their hearts" turned back to Egypt. They then made the golden calf and offered sacrifices and rejoiced in the work of their own hands."
There are powerful effects from our choices to courageously move forward or to turn back from following God's will and purposes. We see from Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, David, Ruth, Saul, and the children of Israel that the choices people make can impact our lives. We can learn from others that the times we choose to have "courage to not turn back" not only impacts us, but it transforms families, generations, and even entire nations.
When you face the possibility of failure you are converging with your greatest opportunity for victory! Your choice impacts many others. Your legacy depends on your determination to persevere. You make the choice to be intentional to stay engaged in what God has called you to be and do. Don't turn around, take hold of courage in our God and do not turn back. Now is the time to step into your greatest opportunities for breakthrough and victory!
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