We have explored and sought the value in pursuing change, growth, moments, dreams, and success.

Our next chapter in “The Pursuit” is the pursuit of strength. 

Strength is more than physical power; it’s the resilience to face challenges, endure setbacks, and handle success.

Strength shows up when we push forward despite wanting to give up, learn from mistakes, and persist through obstacles.  Each setback isn’t a defeat but a lesson, a step toward greater resilience and wisdom.

Challenges build our inner strength, revealing our true capabilities and preparing us for future battles. 

Success also demands strength, requiring humility, gratitude, and the courage to inspire others while staying grounded.  True strength lies in upholding our values amidst highs and lows.

Strength guides us to dream bigger, strive harder, and rise higher.  Let’s celebrate and cultivate the strength within, knowing it’s our most powerful ally in this incredible journey.

Join me in this next chapter as we pursue strength in our daily lives, and also how we can live more freely and fully by tapping into the strength available to each of us through the Holy Spirit. 

Be Blessed!
Be Strong!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How do you find the strength to push forward in moments when you feel like giving up, and what lessons have setbacks taught you about resilience and growth?

2.  In what ways can you use your successes to inspire and uplift others while remaining true to your values and grounded in humility?

One victory, one successful ending does not end the journey.

During the 1993-94 basketball season the team I was coaching was very good.  I was entering my fifth season at the school and we had built a solid program.  The two years prior our season had ended one game away from the state tournament and we returned many key players.

To get to the point we made it to the state tournament that year and I remember almost passing out from exhaustion after the season ended. I did an exhale that released three years of tension and hard work.

The problem was I didn’t go back to work with the same passion and purpose.  I had been driven by an external driver (motivator) and not as much internal as I should have.  It ended up being one of the biggest lessons of my coaching career.

The journey to success does not end when you accomplish a big goal.  You must dream again and dream bigger.  Yes, you can enjoy the accomplishment for a little while but once it is accomplished it is time to reset, recalibrate and set a new course. If I could go back and tell the Todd Gordon of 1994 one thing that would be it.

Great Job, now what’s next.  You got the one victory you had been missing and working for but let’s get back to work. Your journey does not end here. 

Success is a journey, not a destination.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can one maintain passion and motivation after achieving a significant goal, and what strategies can be used to ensure continuous growth and improvement?

2.  Reflecting on past accomplishments, how can one balance the satisfaction of success with the need to set new goals and challenges?

The Path to Perseverance: Embracing Growth and Continuous Success in Faith

Achieving success is a blessing, but as followers of Christ, we are called to continually pursue excellence and growth.

Today, as we close this chapter of The Pursuit here is a summary of the verses we used to think about our pursuit of success. 

James 1:2-4 teaches us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”  This perseverance helps us mature and complete our faith journey.

Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that “though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”  Success isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every time we do and continuing to push forward.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Persistence is key to achieving lasting success.

Colossians 3:23-24 urges us to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”  Our dedication and effort should reflect our commitment to God, who rewards our diligence.

Isaiah 40:31 assures us that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary.”  Trust in God provides us with the strength to keep striving for the better.

Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”  Hard work and diligence are essential for continued success and improvement.

Let’s celebrate our victories, but never settle.  Let us keep striving to be better, knowing that our efforts are for God’s glory and that He will strengthen and reward us.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can the concept of embracing growth and continuous success apply to different aspects of life beyond just faith?

2.  Reflecting on personal experiences, what are some strategies you’ve found effective in persevering through challenges and pursuing continuous improvement?

The most recent statistics show that the number of self help books published in the United States each is estimated to be at 15,000.   It is a expected to be a market worth over 14 billion dollars by 2025. 

Alot has been written and there are many different well thought out ideas and plans that can help you be successful.

While many of the books are useful and thought provoking I believe we tend to overthink what it really takes to be successful at times.

In it’s simplest form I believe to be successful you can follow this simple three step formula and success will eventually find you.

1.  Show up.  Just show up and be early.  Be where you need to be, are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there.

2. Work hard.  Every day.  Do what you are supposed to do and do it with excellence. How you do your work matters.

3.  Repeat the above two steps over and over again.  When you feel like you’re getting stuck make sure to go back to #1 and #2.

That’s not a book’s worth of knowledge but I believe it can get you closer to being where you want to be if you do it consistently.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How might the simplicity of the three-step formula for success challenge the complex strategies often presented in self-help books, and what does this suggest about the nature of achieving success?

2.  In what ways might overthinking and the abundance of self-help literature hinder rather than help an individual’s path to success, according to the author’s perspective?

Have Diligent Hands

Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” As Christ followers, we are called to embody diligence and dedication in all we do.

This verse teaches us that hard work is not merely a worldly virtue but a spiritual discipline.  When we commit our efforts to the Lord and strive to do our best, we honor God with our work.

Every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to glorify Him.  Whether in our jobs, homes, or communities, let us approach each day with a spirit of excellence and perseverance.  Our diligence not only brings tangible rewards but also strengthens our character and faith.

Remember, success is not instant but comes through consistent effort and trust in God’s timing.

Keep your hands busy and your heart focused on His purpose, and you will see the fruits of your labor.  Trust in His promise, and let your diligence be a testament to His faithfulness.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How can you integrate the principle of diligence from Proverbs 10:4 into your daily routines and responsibilities to better honor God through your work?

2.  In what ways can you remain motivated to maintain a spirit of excellence and perseverance, especially during challenging times, while trusting in God’s timing for the fruits of your labor?