Having A Determination!

Text:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5: And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Determination is having the strength that carries you through the path of success in the midst of obstacles.

Synonyms for determination are:  resolution; will; firmness.

Obstacles are a thing that blocks one’s way, prevents or hinders progress.

Some synonyms for obstacles are:  barriers; snag; hurdles; stumbling blocks; obstructions; blocks; impediments; difficulties; problems; disadvantages; complications.

The enemy uses them all to kill our “determination” to do the work God has called us to do.

Paul was a Jewish man.  We all know how Paul of Tarshish persecuted the Christians for a time, but he, himself was converted to Christ by means of a vision or encounter with the “light”.  He also became one of the greatest of the apostles and wrote many of the books of our New Testament.  His name was Saul before he became a Christian (Acts 9:1-22).

Even though he faced much persecution, he had a “determination” to continue to do the work of the ministry.

●       Acts 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

God had already showed Paul to Ananias in a vision and said to him:

●       Acts 9:16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

But Paul had a “determination” to let nothing stop him.

What about you and me.  Will we let things stop us?

God created us with a purpose in mind.  That purpose is your destiny.  We have to have a “determination” to see it through.  There has to be planning, determination, dedication, commitment, focus of direction, and discipline.

What will hinder you?

Paul said in Galatians 5:7  Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Yes, there are many challenges that we face daily, but always remember, God has given us the “grace and ability” to conquer them all.

●       Luke 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:  and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

●       1 John 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

You may have been knocked down, but not knocked out!

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus is speaking of the “good Samaritan”.  Verse 30: And Jesus answering said, a certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 

So that meant that he was also “half alive”!  And we know how the story ended.  After all, it isn’t over until God says it’s over!

Are you “determined”?  Do you have “determination”?

Having “determination” includes strength and courage.  God Himself instructed Joshua in Joshua 1:6  Be strong and of a good courage.  Verse 7  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee.

Joshua had been a faithful assistant of Moses during the forty years of wilderness wandering and had been commissioned by God as Moses’ successor.  God was now calling him to lead His people into the Land of Promise.  He needed to hear those words of encouragement from God.  I believe with those words of encouragement from God that Joshua’s “determination” was stronger than before to lead God’s people onward.

As we go and do and continue in the Word of God, it will increase our “determination”.  Even when we are persecuted, it will make us more “determined” because the work is too important to leave undone.

Galatians 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

The power of “determination” will not allow one to give up or give in because we know that we are not going in our own strength.  It is God who gives us strength for every task, strength for every trial, and strength for each and every day.

What did God say to Moses?  Exodus 33:14:  My Presence shall go with thee.

What did God say to Paul?  2 Corinthians 12:9  My grace is sufficient for thee.

What is God saying to us?  Everything that you need “I AM THAT”!   Hebrews 13:5  I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Having “determination” will cause one to press on because the rewards are great!

●       Daniel 1:8  Daniel was “determined” not to eat of the king’s diet.

●       Ruth 1:1-18  Ruth was “determined” to follow Naomi.

●       Esther 4:16  Esther was “determined” to go before the king.

●       1 Samuel 20:33  King Saul was “determined” to put David to death.

●       Acts 11:29  The disciples, every man according to his ability, “determined” to send relief to the brethren living in Judea.

What are you “determined” to do?  Are you “determined” to fight the good fight of faith?  Are you “determined” to keep your mind stayed on Him?  Are you “determined” to press your way toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?  Are you “determined” to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets you?  Are you “determined” to run with patience the race that is set before you?  Are you “determined” to look unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith?

I’m sure our answer is yes!

God has put that “determination” within us!   And He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us with the “determination” and the “strength” to continue to walk in and do what He has individually assigned us to do for His glory.

Know this: God is always at work in our lives.  He will always guide and help us through everything.  Let’s keep our mind stayed on Him because we can and will be able to withstand all the wiles of the devil! That is because we have the “DETERMINATION”!!!

~ Evangelist Mary Perry