Proverbs 14:23a: “Every effort has a benefit.
If you love anime, you’ve probably seen an episode of Naruto. If you’re not familiar with it, the premise of the story is simple: Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage, the strongest ninja in his village. It’s because he’s not very smart or popular, and he doesn’t have any special skills. He also has no parents, and there is a lot of hatred toward him in their village.
If it was someone else, it would definitely have been discouraged. But Naruto didn’t give up. He worked hard, developed his own fighting technique, and earned the respect of not only the people in his village but also in other places. At the end of the series, Naruto reached his dream: He became a Hokage and was recognized as the strongest ninja in his area.
Would you like to reach a dream that seems impossible? Do people make fun of you or look down on you because of it? Don’t give up! And when you feel like quitting, find encouragement in God’s Word.
It is said in Isaiah 40:31, those who trust in the Lord are strengthened and encouraged again. They will not get tired or weak. If you feel that your efforts are wasted, read 1 Corinthians 1:58: “. . . Be diligent in serving the Lord because you know that your suffering for him will not be wasted.” And if you want assurance that your efforts are going somewhere, look at Proverbs 14:23a: “Every effort has a benefit.”
Like Naruto, your journey can be long and difficult. But nothing is impossible with the Lord. A successful career, the perfect partner, or even becoming Hokage, if the Lord wills it, He will give it to you. It will turn into a reality if you achieve it.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, You know my dreams. Help me reach them, according to Your will. If this is not Your plan for me, put Your will in my heart and mind. Amen.
APPLICATION
List your short-term and long-term goals in a notebook or cell phone. Commit to praying for them everyday. Check off each goal to be reached. Don’t forget to thank the Lord whenever this happens.
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