One day away

I've often wondered about how many people stop one day short of their day of breakthrough. Whether we're in a process in life or just fighting a disease or a controlling habit or sin, I wonder how many have waived the white flag just a step away from victory. Has perseverance lost it's worth as a noble trait? I don't think so. I've been thinking a lot about Romans 5:1-5. Particullary, verses 3 and 4, "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." I don't want to be a quitter. I want to be stubborn about keeping on in hard times, continuing to get into the face of God until I see breakthrough. The people I repsect the most are those who through hell or high water did not bow their knee to their circumstances or the pressures coming at them from every side. Rather, they stayed close to God and let the pressure of their circumstances forge them more into the man that God intended them to be. The gospel to me is partially a message about becoming inwardly invincible, using every opportunity for you. That's how Paul could be locked up in prison and actually practice rejoicing and singing. That's how Jesus can sleep in the middle of a storm on a boat, and forgive the very ones who were crucifying him on a cross. This goes way beyond just learning to have a good attitude, it's about relying supernaturally on the ability and power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 concludes, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given us." There is such a strength we have received to keep pressing ahead in trials because of the love that the Holy Spirit has deposited in our hearts. I'm remembering to receive God's love everyday and remind myself of the love that was already deposited in my heart to be the catalyst that get's me through thick and thin. Don't stop one day short of your breakthrough and learn to turn every attempt of the evil on on it's head, by allowing God to work every situation for you.