Admiral William McRaven gives one of the most inspirational graduation speeches I have ever heard.
The culmination of this speech is his final point -Don’t Ever Ring the Bell. He tells of how a Navy Seal recruit only needs to ring the bell, and he can leave training. He can leave behind the exhaustion, harassment, and no one will think less of him for trying. Applicants have only a 6% chance of being accepted into training and a 25% chance of making it through. Admiral McRaven’s last directive is, “If you want to change the world, never, never ring the bell.”
Tenacity
I was reading Psalms 27 this morning. Admiral McRaven would love David. He would delight in the tenacity of David to have confidence that the Lord will save despite his circumstances. Have you ever known someone who would never give up? Someone, who through pure strength of will, would not give up on something for which they had passion. You half admired them, and half pitied them.
Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Edison is the same man who admitted, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That is how many failed experiments Edison went through before he invented the light bulb.
Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Jesus said, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Our Story
The story that God wrote for our lives before we were even in existence is a life worth living. It is an adventure written by one of the most prolific and gifted authors of the universe. Our story filled with challenges, disappointment, love, joy, overcoming incredible odds, and ends in the most beautiful and breath-taking way you could ever imagine. It ends with the triumphant homecoming of a victorious adventurer.
The story you live is His, not yours. He created your story out of love that you might know Him better. God has lined up the floats, and the bands are warmed up, waiting to celebrate your victory. God does not fail. Do not give up on Him.
Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Our Victory
Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
We are victorious even before we started. When the world pushes back, remember you are already victorious. When dark clouds gather, and the storm is inevitable, you see the rainbow. It has already been written. Don’t look down, look up. Don’t despair over what you cannot see, rejoice in what is to come.
Isaiah 40:29-31, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”