Never Give Up
Brandon Neloms of Pooler, GA, USA
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. -1 Timothy 2:1-2
In a conversation with my father, he told me a great story about when he was a young man looking for a job in 1972. My father was a brick mason, and around the time he and Mother were married, brickwork was inconsistent due to rain and cold weather. Sometimes, he wouldn’t get paid. He felt he needed something more consistent. He decided to go to the local plant, Union Carbide, and inquire about a job. He said every time brickwork was canceled due to rain or cold weather, he would go there and sit on the steps and greet people as they walked inside. He said he had grown tired of going there with no results.
After about six months, as he was about to leave the steps one day, a black limousine pulled up; and an older gentleman in a suit stepped out and asked my father if he worked at the plant. My father replied, “No, but I sure want to. My wife is pregnant, and I need a good job, sir.” The gentlemen replied, “Well, I’m the owner of the company. Follow me.”
The owner took him inside and asked the staff if they knew my father, and the staff replied, “Yes, that’s Mr. Neloms. He comes here often to see if we are hiring.” The owner then said, “Hire him! Anyone with that type of consistency deserves a shot!” My father said the joy he had on that day was unbelievable. He told me he learned that day to never give up.
How many of us become tired and stop, although God told us to keep fighting? If God is telling us to keep fighting, it’s for a reason. My father’s story is a testament that, if God has a plan for us, it’s only a matter of time before we get our shot. But we won’t get it if we quit. Let’s keep grinding; keep running; keep believing; our chance may just be right around the corner.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Light a candle and sit quietly, reflecting on the fire and light of God. Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Image each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of Christ radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
