You Can Do It!

Unbroken. What an amazing story of the tortures of war and the restoration that only God can give!

The book by Laura Hillenbrand is not for the faint of heart. It's difficult to read about the seemingly unending horrors inflicted on one man. Oh, and it's not a short book, either, clocking in at 473 pages. 

My son is a voracious reader and has a particular interest in World War II so I suggested he read Unbroken. He tackled the book excitedly . . . until he made it to the 2% mark. He stalled right there at the beginning. I knew he would love the true story of Louis Zamperini if he could only get past the first 10% of the book. I tried to bribe him with treats, but that wasn't enough motivation. I offered to get him the latest young adult fiction series he had been wanting to read. Still, it wasn't enough motivation. Finally, I challenged him. This son of mine loves to be first in all things. His competitive nature is rooted in his very core.

The challenge: I bet I can finish my 400 page book before you can. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "You dare to challenge me in a reading contest, Mom? It's on!"

The problem: he has a lot more time on his hands than I do. Every second of the day that he wasn't doing school or chores, he read that book. He read for a total of six hours one day! I can read for about 30 minutes each night before bed . . . if I can keep my eyes open that long.

Following Christ can be daunting at times. He has sacrificed His very life for our salvation. Our love and gratefulness towards Him should be motivation enough. Can I be honest? Sometimes, it's just not enough motivation. I get tired and selfish and prideful and . . . and . . . and. I need my fellow disciples to spur me on. 

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." ‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬ (NLT)

So guess who won the book challenge. You guessed it; he did. What my son doesn't realize is that I won, too. What a blessing to hear him go on and on about how the book impacted him and his faith. What a privilege to be the catalyst for him to finish the task set before him.

Let's consider it a privilege to be the catalyst in a fellow believer's life today in spurring them on to "acts of love and good works."