If I could pick one word to describe commitment, I'd pick the word: alone. No other person can make YOUR commitment for you, except YOU. No parent, no coach, no mentor. It can be a lonely road, especially without the presence of God. Friends fall away. Co-workers come and go. But you remain the same...committed to YOUR cause. You believe, others doubt. You work, others play. You cry, others laugh. You sacrifice and others reap.
In the Bible it states in the Old Testament that Daniel dined and prayed alone. Elijah sacrificed and witnessed alone. Jeremiah prophesied and wept alone. David went out to meet Goliath alone. And in the New Testament, Paul said,
"all men forsook me...Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When God decides to deal with you, He'll get you alone. In the Old Testament, Jacob was "LEFT".
"And Jacob was left alone." (Genesis 32:24).My six year old daughter, Ashley, has often reminded me "Dad. Jesus is always with you!". While we can not see His presence, we can be assured that He knows all. He knows our feelings, accomplishments and desires. The hours that an athlete spends practicing, seemingly alone, are not unnoticed.
Only you can decide whether the rewards are worth the effort, for the truth is, that there are trade-offs. Commitment means paying your dues. Listen to these words: "
If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24) The "cross" is a symbol of self sacrifice. Today, ask yourself, "To what am I really committed?"
When you make a radical commitment to follow God, you'll go where you've never been before! If you're still looking at the same ground 10 years later, you're going in circles. God will give you chances to win, but it's your commitment that determines the size of your victory and ultimately the effectiveness of your life.
