We don't hear much about Abraham Lincoln's defeats because his victories were so notable. But for much of his life the odds were against him. His mother died when he was nine. In 1832 he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. In 1849 he was rejected as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He lost Senate races in 1855 and 1858, and in between failed to win a vice-presidential nomination. However, his most painful losses were the deaths of his four-year-old and twelve-year-old sons. Born in the backwoods of Kentucky, Lincoln had only a few months of "blab school" - one without books where students repeated the teacher's words. He taught himself mathematics, read the classics and worked on his writing and speaking skills using the Bible as his model. His philosophy was, "I'll study and prepare, and when the time comes I'll be ready." He told a friend, "Bear in mind, your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." His Gettysburg Address is one of the most notable speeches in history. During the darkest days of the Civil War he said, "I do the very best I know how...and I mean to keep on doing it to the end."
The Apostle Paul had some very dark and difficult days, but had this same resolution. Acts 20:17-24, tells us this story. (17) "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (18) And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, (19) serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; (20) how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, (21) testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (22) And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (24) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy..."
Paul didn't say, "None of these things hurt me," he said, "None of these things move me." Big difference! Paul refused to let life's problems derail him. He understood that what happens in us is more important than what happens to us. He also understood that when we look to Jesus as our role model and draw strength from Him each day, He'll give us all that's needed to overcome in life.
Application: Become resolute in trusting the Heavenly Father. Be Blessed!!
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