A team of 12 and under softball girls were practicing on the field recently. One particular little girl caught my eye as she practiced sliding in to second base. Her attempt was less than perfect, yet time and time again she would get up, dust herself off, and go back to try again.

I continued on to the field our girls were to practice on not giving much thought to the little girl until after our practice was over. As I left, I casually looked toward the field the other team was practicing on. There was the same girl set to run from third base to home. As she came in to home plate, she made one awesome slide. She got up went to the pitcher’s plate and gathered with the rest of the team. They all touched hands in the air and yelled, “Winners never quit, quitters never win.” I mused at the truth in those words. I also had to smile as I considered the joy that young lady must have felt in accomplishing and completing the task she set out to do.

Winning is great, we all like to be winners and we have all been on the losing end To lose gracefully and with a good attitude is important. But win or lose, we must press on towards our goal. Don’t give up. Whether it be working toward lifetime goals, or striving towards the high calling of God, we must keep our eyes on the mark.

Have you interceded for a friend or loved one and have yet to see those heartfelt pleas answered? Do you work hard at your job just to see someone else get the promotion? Don’t give up. Stay faithful in your job and continue to trust God. The best is yet to come. As for the loved one or friend, keep praying and believing God. His timing is perfect and is well worth waiting for. Keep living and allowing God’s love to shine through you.

Let’s see what God’s word has to say about patience. Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV “Winners Never Quit.”

Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. NIV Persevere…keep trying, persist…be persistent until the answer comes. Remember, “Quitters Never Win.” What if we stopped praying just short of the answer coming? We might miss out on a soul receiving eternal life. Or, we may miss a blessing which God promised because we were impatient and unwilling to wait for the right timing. Remember, God is never early, and he’s never late!

Finally, let’s take a quick look at ‘Hope.’ Hope means to expect, anticipate or look forward to. 1 Peter 1:13 tells us this, Therefore, prepare your minds for the action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. NIV If we keep our minds and hearts on Christ and hope in him, then the things we ask according to his will shall come to pass.