How long and how seriously have you toiled without a desired result? Are you worried that many people do not know what you are passing through, and those who know have shown no care? Even the friendship you cherished and took consolation in has hit the rock, and you are left alone and lonely. The very people who were devoted to you in your prosperity have abandoned you in your adversity. Or is the reality that your contemporaries have gone passed you in the race despite your efforts, connections, or even prayers a reason why you think your life is worthless? Hey, you are not the only one!  “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”¹

Yes, we all go through various challenges, and at various degrees too. But while some gets better by pains, and are poised to succeed; others get plunged into doubts, defeats and desperation. According to Danny Deaube, “There are some things we learn on stormy seas that we never learn on calm smooth waters. We don’t look for storms but they will surely find us. The God of the Storm” has something to teach us, and His love always drives His actions.” At every point when the turbulence of the storms toss you to and fro and threatens to upturn you, you can either chose to whine about the noise or rest absolutely in the quiet and sure promises of God.

The story of Derek Redmond is an inspirational story of persistence to finish a race and of a father’s heart. Though he wasn’t going to eventually win the price but he was determined to get to the finish line. The race of life is not to the swift or the battle to the strong… time and chance happen to them all, counsels the wise King counsel (Eccl 9:11). Derek Redmond was favored to win in the 400m sprint at the 1992 Olympics. But when he tore a hamstring halfway through the race his dream died. But his determination to finish the race, with his father by his side became a defining moment of the games.

Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to fight for the first position in the race of life. What is important is getting to the place of your dreams. If a 17-year-old boy becomes the youngest professor, and another man bags his first degree at age 70, both men would be applauded for excellence, and the latter would inspire many never to give up on their dreams. “If the storm of life gives you a big blow, don’t worry, just give it a great smile and pursue to leave distinctive footprints with perseverance and tenacity regardless of how arduous the errand may be. It may not be so easy but, dare to win!” ²

I have prayed for you that your inner eyes will be opened to see beyond your doubts and fears. That instead of crying over the scars, you will look at the stars –looking up and above the hills where your help comes from, even unto Christ – the finisher of your faith-Hebrews 12:1. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.  Whilst the disciples of Jesus were battling with accomplishments in their secular career, Jesus gave his counsel for them to launch into the deep. “And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.” -Luke 5:5.

Yes, I agree that you have tried your best, and done all within your capacity, yet no good reward still. But trust me, your self-pity will get you nowhere. You must have the adventurous daring to accept yourself instead of retorting to hopelessness. The storm will pass and you will survive! So, if you catch hell don’t hold it, if you are going through hell don’t stop! Move forward. Go ahead. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!

¹ Oscar Wilde

²Ernest Agyemang Yeboah