Discouraged? Persevere!

Who doesn’t get discouraged now and then? I am usually very positive, but occasionally I succumb to discouragement. This morning was one of those times. Two weeks ago I decided to go on a weight reduction exercise program. I am very goal oriented and self-discipline has never been a problem for me. For the last two weeks, every morning like clockwork I have arisen and hit the exercise room. In addition to free weight exercise, my routine usually includes a two mile jog, sit-ups, exercise bike, rowing machine and stair climber. Even when I went out of town I was able to at least get in the aerobic stuff. This morning was no exception, I arose at 2:47 and hit it with a vengeance. My goal is to lose a measly two pounds per week; “piece of cake”, I thought. This morning I hopped on the scale and my reward for all my hard work: I have GAINED two pounds!

Needless to say I was discouraged. Envision this, I’m standing on the scale soaking wet with perspiration, huffing, puffing, completely out of breath, sore all over, and the reward for all my effort was that I gained, not lost, two pounds. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I screamed.

There is a saying, “No pain, no gain”. Take it from me this is a very true statement. I can personally attest to it, because sure enough, I had pain and gain. As I thought of my predicament, I tried to be like “Mr. Positive Attitude” himself – Zig Ziglar, and turn this into something positive. The problem was how could I turn this disturbing event into something positive? I guess I could look at it like I could become a sumo wrestler if I continue on this program for a few more months, I understand they make a lot of money; or perhaps I could be a monk at the Conyers monastery, I’m looking more and more like “Friar Tuck”, I love to study the Bible, worship the Lord, and “Friar Bob”
doesn’t sound too bad. Perhaps I could approach Armani suits about being a model for a new line of suits with expando pants. Might be a good way to score a new wardrobe.

I thought, perhaps I am being too cynical. If I want to achieve my goal, avoid having to buy an entirely new wardrobe, go by the name of “pork chop”, or have to buy a bigger car, (so I can get in it), I better take a hard look at my program and take EXTREME action. Yes, but what action? The answer hit me like a flash, “Maybe I should quit eating so much”. I didn’t initially consider taking action this drastic, but alas when you are 53 and the old exercise program just won’t cut it anymore, it looks like DRASTIC action must be taken. I now have a new plan of action which includes a diet, and I’ll advise you of its effectiveness in a couple of weeks.

The moral of this story, we all occasionally become discouraged and sometimes even think about quitting. At the first sign of trouble, I could easily have become discouraged and quit my exercise program, but I tell myself that is not how to succeed. If I want to succeed, I must persevere through thick and thin. If I want to achieve my goal, I will just have to find another way to “skin the cat”. (I hate cats by the way).

Satan does not want us to succeed. He is the “discourager of discouragers”. Throughout life we all face discouraging situations. A positive attitude reaction to them determines our success, or ultimate failure. No one wants to be a failure, so we need to maintain a positive attitude and persevere.

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Romans 5:3
…We also
glory in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.