When to Throw in the Towel

Ever been tempted to throw in the towel? You’re not alone. Who hasn’t been so disheartened they’ve said, “Forget it Lord! I’m gonna become a monk.”
If you can relate, I want you to consider George Edward Arcaro, otherwise known as Eddie Arcaro. He was probably the best jockey of all time. According to the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame he won more American classic races than any other jockey in history and is the only rider to have won the U.S. Triple Crown twice. Here’s the million dollar question.  How many times did he lose, before winning one race?
Anyone want to guess ten or less? Would you give up if you lost ten races?
How about Thirty? Hey, if I lost thirty races, I’d stay in bed for a month, and be very embarrassed to even show my face at the track.
How about fifty? Nope.
Let’s end the suspense.  Eddie Acaro lost 250 races before winning. HOLY MOLEY, BATMAN! 250!!!
I don’t know about you, but I’d be tempted to change professions; become a circus clown or something where I could wear face makeup so no one would recognize me.
He didn’t, though. The rest is history.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

It’s easy to give up, and to justify our defeat. “Oh Lord, if this is your will, the road would be paved with roses and lemonade stands.”
It isn’t.
Victories aren’t won without adversity. Whatever you are attempting to achieve, PERSEVERE!
God has called the Christian, not to back down or give up, but to battle on! Keep going. For the one who does not lose heart, there is the promise- You’ll reap the reward. So if your plans have failed a couple of times . . . twenty times . . . thirty? Hey, remember Eddie. Keep going!

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4 Responses to When to Throw in the Towel

  1. 250 times. Yikes. I don’t think I could have waited it out–BUT FOR GOD. “I will see Your goodness, Lord, in the land of the living. I will wait for You, Lord. I will be strong and take heart and wait for You, Lord. (Psalm 27:131-4)

  2. Thanks, Jeremiah. We all need that reminder once in a while.

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