Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part article. Find Part 1 at this link.
“The world is yet to see what God will do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully consecrated to Him.” —Challenge spoken to a discouraged D.L. Moody in Dublin, Ireland, by Henry Varley in 1867
I’ve kept these words on my possession for five decades.
Eighteen thousand, two hundred and fifty days ago, I left the AFL-CIO headquarters pondering, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). To the left was the White House, the symbol of the nation where God called me as a watchman. To the right was a building where 2,000 Jesus Movement youth would gather, and I would teach God’s Word.
Today, I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness on my journey. “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come, ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”
Forty-six years of marriage; four children; seven grandchildren; books, articles and video commentaries; churches planted and leaders launched—a tapestry of “good, bad and ugly” life lessons now part of a legacy that hopefully glorifies God.
Like the apostle Paul and Rocky, I’ve been knocked down but not out (see 2 Cor. 4:9). A plaque on our wall reminds me, “Make sure you fulfill the ministry you’ve received in the Lord” (see Col. 4:17).
In my spirit remain the words God spoke to me in the beginning, “Let it never be said of me that I presented the world a caricature of Christ.”
Starting is easy, but sticking is hard. If your goal, like mine, is to finish well, here’s inspiration and suggestions from my experience that I hope will help you. Many of the quotes are ever before me on my study wall.
12 Inspirational Quotes
“Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:1-2, the Scripture in front of my desk).
“I’ll prepare myself and one day my time will come.” —Abraham Lincoln
“Beware of the peril of familiarity.” —T. Austin Sparks (60 years of ministry)
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can; hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
“I shall pass through this world but once. Therefore, any good I can do, any kindness I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.” —Henry Drummond, evangelist
“What men build with their charisma they often ruin with their character.” —Unknown
“One word explains what destroys churches and ministries: Ambition [selfish]. —Derek Prince
“An unguarded strength is a double weakness.” —Oswald Chambers
“By perseverance even the snail made it into the ark.” —Charles Spurgeon
“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchil
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Courage is contagious.” —Billy Graham {eoa}
Larry Tomczak is a cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member, bestselling author and a public policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see bullseyechallenge.com). and he has a variety of resources on his website (see larrytomczak.com). You can also hear his weekly podcast here.
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