I have the urge to quit. I am frustrated, baffled, weary, and confused over the implementation of my email service provider. An ESP is an important element of building community, which is the purpose of this website; to link with like-minded people so we can motivate and encourage one another to put into practice God’s word correctly and effectively.

     Perseverance is required at this time. I know it. But the problems seem unsurmountable. It is not the first time I have crashed head-on into a brick wall when trying to learn something. In high school I didn’t understand chemistry. Struggling, and faced with a low grade destroying my reputation as a good student, I decided to drop the course at the end of the first semester. I quit chemistry and enrolled in something less challenging, choir.

     In this circumstance, there is no choir option. I must persevere with the email list if I am to build community and I love interacting with other Christians, discussing God’s word and its application. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us to meet with one another and I do go to church and hang around after the sermon to know those I worship with. But technology has provided ways to go beyond the limitations of geography and I want to embrace such a time as this.

     And so, I continue to search for teaching videos and instructional sheets to implement the steps I need. There are some directions for things I want to accomplish that seem to be missing. Therefore, I must persevere in my research as well as in the implementation of the instructions I do uncover.

     There are a multitude of instances where we must persevere. Sometimes it is in a difficult relationship such as a boss who just never seems to be satisfied with our work. Or it may be a situation we can’t avoid. A diagnosis that requires dietary and lifestyle changes or a financial crisis that means taking on a second or even a third job. Learning a new skill requires perseverance as well. I remember zigzagging across the bunny hill while learning to ski, falling each time I tried to turn. Eventually, I skied moguls. To keep focused until the mogul stage try putting in place these steps:

**Be mindful of the end results

     Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” NLT

     Experience has revealed that effort does produce good results. As I child I faithfully practiced the piano in between my formal lessons and over time became quite skilled. As a freelance writer I consistently sent query letters and eventually had articles published in a multitude of magazines.

Always keep in mind what will be accomplished if we continue to work on our goal.

**Ask for help

Matt 7:7-8 tells us: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” NLT

The author of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Joseph M. Scriven, encourages us to take our sins, griefs, pain, and burdens to the Lord in earnest prayer.

In addition to seeking direction from the Lord in prayer I have posted my trials and tribulations about the implementation of my email service provider on Facebook writer’s groups in an effort to gather tips that might help me crack this wall. I am confident the Lord will give me direction.

**Celebrate each small victory

     A heart of thankfulness is encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

     With the help of a friend, I was able to connect a landing page with a tip sheet on spiritual preparedness to my website. This is a victory. I am working on sending an email to subscribers every other Wednesday.

     Looking at what is accomplished versus what is not accomplished keeps us from becoming discouraged. We see that we are making progress.

     This wall I am up against is tough. It may be one of those that is taken down brick by brick.

Let’s Talk

1-What brick walls have you come up against lately? How have you persevered?

2-Sometimes brick walls may be a redirection? How do you determine if a new direction is required or if you need to persevere?