John Tool did some writing after he got out of the army. He shopped the book around and was rejected often. He wanted it published. Finally in 1969 he gave up. His mom didn’t give up though and kept shopping it. Rejection after rejection. She read in the news that Louisiana State University was opening a publishing dept. She called and said that her son wrote a book and it was based in New Orleans. Maybe they’d like it. They decided to buy it. It turned out to be a best seller on a number of lists. In 1981, the John Kennedy Toole, A Confederacy of Dunces
won the Pulitzer prize for fiction that year. He didn’t even accept the award, his mother did. But not for a good reason.

John had been stung by rejection and given up on his dream in 1969. John committed suicide and gave up on life…before becoming successful beyond his wildest dreams.

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. “Lord, I can’t go on,” he said.” I have too heavy a cross to bear.”

The Lord replied, “My son, if you can’t bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish.” The man was filled with relief. “Thank you, Lord,” he sighed, and he did as he was told.

Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. “I’d like that one, Lord,” he whispered. And the Lord replied,” My son, that is the cross you just brought in.”

When life’s problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

I am a believer committed to doing “Whatever it takes.” I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. I am out of the comfort zone.

The decision has been made. I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, positions or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first , tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.

I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast.

My goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up or burn up, till I have preached up prayed up, paid up, stored and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.

I must go on until He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, because I have dedicated my life to being a believer committed to doing …

“Whatever it Takes”