ABRAHAM LINCOLN

"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit."- William J. Clinton

Abraham Lincoln

Many people today erroneously and wrongly assume many things in the face of varying challenges or times. For instance, many people believe that the more opposition one gets in a venture is a glaring sign that God isn't supportive of it. Some others assume also that the smoothness one experiences in a project is a sign that God is supportive of that project. This morning, I beg to strongly disagree with that notion. It was God who sent Moses and Aaron to Egypt, but they didn't get their freedom on a platter. What about David? It was God who ordered Samuel to anoint him king over Israel, but his life was constantly in danger for many years. What about, brother Job who lost everything he had, wasn't God in the midst of his experiences?

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. Just take a look at this resilient man - Lincoln's - resume, and his path to the White House. In 1816 His family was forced out of their home, he had to work to support them. In 1818 His mother died and in 1831 he failed in business.1832 saw him running for state legislature but he lost. He also lost his job in 1832, then he wanted to go to law school but could not get in.1833 he borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt. He was in 1835 engaged to be married, but his sweetheart died and his heart was broken. He in 1836 had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months. In 1838 he sought to become speaker of the state legislature he was defeated.1840 saw him seeking to become elector: he was defeated. He lost in 1843, when he ran for Congress. In 1848
Lincoln ran for re-election to Congress but he lost. He was rejected in 1849 when he sought the job of land officer in his home state. In 1854 he ran for Senate of the United States, but as usual he lost.1856 saw him seeking the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention: he got less than 100 votes. He again lost in 1858, when he ran for U.S. Senate. In 1860, he was elected president of the United States. Lincoln could have quit many times but he did not. He went on to become one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.

Your experiences in life are your tests you must pass. They either make or mar you, but I hope it is the former. I like to encourage someone this morning. There's a reason why things are as difficult for you as they are today. There is a reason why you seem to be the only one going through so much pain at the moment. There is a reason why you have encountered and experienced so much failure. You have almost given up on your dreams and visions. It's normal to be discouraged, but it's an abuse of God's grace to give up. If Jesus didn't give, you cannot afford to give up. Why? A crowd of witnesses are watching to see how you will end up in this arena of life. Be like Moses, David, Job or even Lincoln today. Having done all to stand, stand therefore, NEVER QUIT!