The Stunned Judges, and Your New Year's Resolution.

It happened once upon a time in the 20th Century, that two men were called to build a car each for the country. Stepping forward, the inspectors and judges laid down the building rules and blew the whistle. Building began. Like athletes competing for the prize ahead, the two men competed to finish first. Within 6 months, one competitor rose to his feet and shouted triumphantly, “hurray.” The judges rushed forward to see for themselves. They inspected the new model car, and awarded the prize. Turning to look on the second competitor, he was still building. Josh made many mistakes as he built. He cried sometimes with frustrations, but kept on building.

Ten years passed, and the many bystanders began to mock Josh. “Lazy, lazy, lazy,” some people scoffed. “Unprepared. He must be a wicked fellow,” others voiced their thoughts. His wife was embarrassed. Even the judges concluded, “Give up. You have failed.” But the lonely man continued building. “God who called me, has not commanded me to stop,” Josh managed a weak response. After 15 years, his prototype car was finally completed. He would not even raise his voice, to announce that he had finished building his car. The judges stepped forward again to look, and were stunned! Speechless, their jaws dropped. True, the two competitors finally built a car each. But the first was like a toy besides the second. The flaws were many in the first car, and nobody really enjoyed been in it. But that by the resilient Josh was superbly flawless and luxurious. Everyone entered the second car and enjoyed it forever, thereafter. What happened to the out-modeled car of the first competitor? What lessons are there to learn? Think about it, and share your thoughts if you wish.

But a New Year began, and many other people made resolutions from lessons learnt. Some said, “In this new year, I will seek what God in heaven has called me to do, and focus on it.” Start doing it. Others said, “Like Josh: Except God says ‘stop,’ I will not stop doing it.” These understood that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Neither is bread to the wise, or favor to the learned. But time and chance, happen to them all (Ecclesiastics 9:11). Even the mockers, the ever-present self-appointed commentators, confessed, “We were wrong.” Of course, they are always wrong: If you do not give up! No matter the challenge, keep improving yourself by education that brings resilience. Do not listen to negative comments by all the others, instead seek and listen only to what Christ the Lord wants to tell you. Hear the Lord, “Believe, and obey My voice. Do not fear loneliness, or that the devils have overtaken you: I am with you always, even to the end" (John 14:27; Matthew 28:20).

Scripture International wishes you and family a Happy New Year, with abundant Life only the Son of God Gives to everyone who believe in Him. Thank you for supporting the Almighty to mass produce and distribute Scripture, The One Gospel Bible. “I will bless you,” God promised. Learn more on our website, www.scriptureinternational.org.