Looking Up With Determination

Galatians 6:9

(PSALMS 5:3) MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING, O LORD; IN THE MORNING WILL I DIRECT MY PRAYER UNTO THEE, AND WILL LOOK UP.

Over the last several weeks we have used this psalm to remind us of the importance of looking up. We've talked about looking up in confidence, encouragement, vision, and today we will consider looking up with determination.

Webster defines determination as: a : the act of deciding definitely and firmly b : firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end

Determination is an important characteristic in life. It is what keeps us going when we'd rather give up. Determination keeps us from quitting a demanding job, or giving up on a fragile marriage. Determination helps us endure life's storms, battle enticing temptation and persevere through terrible trials. None of us can get through life without having determination! This is certainly true when it comes to the believer. Living your life for the Lord requires determination.

On November 25, 1980 the second of three boxing matches between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran took place in the Louisiana Superdome.

In their first fight, held just five months earlier in Montreal, Duran won a unanimous decision. This second fight was highly anticipated, but it ended abruptly in round eight. Duran turned his back to the referee, waved his glove in the air, and said, "No más! No más! No más!" No more! No more! No more! He simply decided to quit the fight and give up. The boxing world was absolutely amazed!

What is more amazing to me is that many folks have resigned from serving God. They have thrown in the towel. They are no longer in the race. They have turned their backs and effectively said, "No más!" SS teachers and ministry workers have said "No más!" Since 2004 we have had 33 people trained in FAITH evangelism to reach the lost, but the majority of those trained have said, "No más!"

You see it takes determination to serve the Lord. Rather than folks resigning, we need folks who are willing to Re-sign! The work we are doing is too important to leave undone. The eternal souls of men and women and boys and girls hang in the balance. This morning, let's look up to the Lord for the determination to serve Him and not give up!

I. His Strength is Available: "And let us not be weary..."

II. Our Service is Expected: "...in well doing..."

III. Real Success is Anticipated: "...for in due season we shall reap..."

Look up with determination!

(GALATIANS 6:9) AND LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING: FOR IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT.