Many people are afraid of failure, and because of that fear, they refuse to pursue their dreams. Others try once or twice, meet disappointment, and quickly give up. But if you allow the fear of failure or previous setbacks to stop you, then you have failed yourself long before the dream itself fails.
A visionary cannot abandon his vision. Others may walk away from it; they may misunderstand it, doubt it, or even oppose it. But your vision is your life. People may leave you with your vision or leave you alone with it, but you must never give up on it because of the challenges you face. You are the steward of your dream. When your dream fails, you fail yourself; when it succeeds, you succeed. Your fulfillment comes from your determination to make your dream work even if you have failed many times before.
Consider the journey of Abraham Lincoln. He became the 16th President of the United States because he never stopped pressing on, even though he failed repeatedly. According to some records, Lincoln failed about thirty-five times on his way to the presidency. Steve Jobs became the Steve Jobs we admire today because he held on to his dream. Even when his partners forced him out of Apple in 1985 after a long power struggle, he did not give up. He continued building until he returned stronger.
Perhaps you know the famous soft drink “7UP.” Its inventor, Charles Leiper Grigg, named it “7UP” after failing seven times before finally discovering the right formula in 1929. People gave up on these men, but because they refused to give up on themselves, we celebrate their success today.
The greatest example is Jesus Christ. Knowing the task before Him, the Bible says, “He endured to the end.” Even His own disciples gave up on Him. When He was arrested, they fled; they left Him to His fate. Peter, who earlier promised loyalty, denied Him three times. Sometimes, even the people you trust the most will fail you. I have many experiences that prove this, but I have never given up.
Never give up on yourself or your vision just because some people give up on you. One thing is true: during difficult times, even family and friends can abandon you, but God will never fail you. In moments of trial, rely on God and believe in your abilities. Do not be surprised when people give up on you; human beings are limited. Trust God. Believe you can make it. Keep pushing.
Personally, I have had many low moments, but I am not giving up. I still have hurdles to overcome, challenges I am dealing with, and victories yet to be won. But they will be won. I believe the same God who kept me through the valleys of the shadow of death, who carried me through past storms, will carry me again and help me overcome all present and future challenges. One lesson I learned from St. Paul the Apostle is this: “If you are standing, pray that you do not fall.” And if you fall many times, rise again. Press toward your goal. Never give up on your dream, for if you give up, you fail yourself and the people who look up to you.
One of the greatest lessons life has taught me is this: to perfect your craft or to achieve your life’s dream, you must purpose in your heart that despite the challenges or failures you face, you will achieve your dream. In my own life, the journey has often been long and difficult, but to the glory of God, I have seen progress. Things are getting better. I do not speak as a perfect person or as someone without battles, I still have challenges. But I know the faithful God I trust will not fail me. And if God will not fail me, then my dreams will not fail. I shall see them manifest.
In your pursuit of destiny, you will meet people who will discourage you. Even people who know very little about your dream will speak against it. Even so-called “experts,” like Michael Jordan’s high school coach who doubted him, may discourage you. But they are not God. If you are convinced that the dream in your heart is truly yours, keep pushing. You will achieve it if you do not give up.
Never give up. Greatness awaits you.
You will not be a failure.
Keep hope alive.
Poet: Moses A. Katamani
Email: infomoskambel@gmail.com
Website: www.kambelconsult.com