“Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:10 Contemporary English Version)
By the time Ludwig van Beethoven completed his 9th Symphony, he was totally deaf. His hearing started to decline decades before completing what is considered by many to be his greatest work. He represents an example of perseverance for not only musicians, but for people of various fields and at various levels of expertise.
A difficulty did not stop his work. A distinct, gradual setback did not gravitate into a stepping away from using his gift. A definite decline did not incline the composer to decide not to write any further masterpieces. He found a way to carry on.
In this Monday Morning Short meditation, let me encourage you to find the Beethoven in you. Regardless of any unexpected setback, in spite of the expected decline that comes with years, and in the face of unscheduled and unwanted day-to-day difficulties, let us find a way to untiringly press on. Beethoven had to make some adjustments and depend on other wonders of the created, organic nature of man, but he pressed on. Thus the world is blessed with his greatest work. Whatever you are dealing with, know that when you find “the Beethoven in you,” your best work is yet ahead. Tell yourself, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” When you find “the Beethoven in you,” if you just change one person for good, you have changed the world. Therefore, find “the Beethoven in you!”
Beethoven is a great example. However, we know that Jesus is our ultimate example of pressing on. Also, we would add the Apostle Paul to a list of saints who serve as an example of pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
In Jesus’ case, He not only found a way to endure in the Garden of Gethsemane and obediently press on, but He endured for you and me on Golgotha, again, out of obedience, on an old rugged cross. In the Apostle Paul’s case, whether he had to deal with humble means or prosperity, he pressed on, convinced that he could do all things through Him show strengthened him.
My friend, persevere come what may this week, whether it be physical, financial, emotional, chronological, psychological, sociological, political, and especially spiritual. Persevere! Press on! Persist! Patiently go forward, becoming more patient with time! Pursue growth in your individual measure of Christian living! Love you! Have a magnificent, marvelous Monday, and be aided by the mighty hand of God. Be blessed!
“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2-3 The Living Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King