The ant who overcame

The lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed
in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

Overheard this story about defeat to triumph on radio today on 90.3fm.

Spoke about a war many centuries ago, in which there was an emporor who was losing a battle and fled to a manger (barn), and hid there. As he was there he observed an ant carrying a grain of corn many times larger than his own body, up a ledge. 69 times the ant failed, but on the 70th time the little ant succeeded and got that grain of corn over the ledge.

The emperor thought to himself, 'surely I have more tenacity inside of me then this ant.' So he got up inside of himself, rallied his troops and overtook the enemy he faced.

Hearing this, I was amazed at how many times the ant was willing to attempt although the ant failed over and over again. This is the tenacious faith I desire to have.

Consistency pays off, but in our attempts and failures, let us not give up and give in, but let us be as the small ant, that overcame his great obstacle, with great strength, hope, and tenacious faith.

As Jesus spoke words of life into life, He shared this very example by the illustration of a tiny mustard seed.

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20)

What was Jesus saying here?


If you have faith in Me even a small amount of faith, the hope and tenacity to overcome the obstacles (mountain) in your life would grow so significantly, from Him, that you would get passed and overcome your obstacles (mountain/giant/overcasting shadow) instead of your obstacles (troubles) overcoming you.

As the saying goes "Practice makes perfect," therefore practice your faith even if it's small right now, because God will use that small faith and grow it (increase it!) so significantly that you will no longer be a victim, but a Victor.

All glory to God, who is close to us in our hurts, and saves us from a broken hope.

Let us pray:

Beautiful mighty Father, your ever present love and encouragement that pours out from your very Word, is such a wonderful gift. Thank you for such kindness, such grace to give us such a blessing. We look to you to give us a tenacious faith, an everlasting hope, and an unending strength to overcome our weaknesses, fears, doubts, hurts, and troubles in our lives, in order to help those who are going through the same thing we went through. You, and you alone have given us a love, a hope, a strength that is everlasting and we see it, and perceive it! in Jesus. Thank you for our Lord, our Savior, are beautiful Jesus. To you be the glory, power and honor forever. Amen!