Try Again

MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007

PROVERBS 24:16

Albert Einstein once said, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." He may have understated his intelligence, but he does so to make a point: For more than any other reason, he was successful because he was persistent.

I'm no Albert Einstein, but I can also say that the success I have experienced can be attributed to this same principle.

Solomon said, "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." (Proverbs 24:16) When I'm missing the mark in my life -- spiritually, financially, or in my relationships -- I have to remind myself several times a day that the difference between my being a wise man and a fool ... the difference between my being righteous and unrighteous ... is determined by my willingness to get up and keep going.

Have you fallen down? Has it happened more than once? If you're like me, you might be ready during these times to throw in the towel and call it quits. But remember this: if a goal is worth one good try, it's worth 10, 20 or even 100 more. Take another look at the dream God has placed in your heart. Then get up, and try again.

— Steve May

About the Monday Memo
The Monday Memo is a weekly devotional for leaders sent out each Monday by Steve May. This is a free service. For more information or to subscribe to this newsletter, please visit http://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm