I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

~2 Timothy 4:7 CSB

The riding lawn mower circled my front yard with my grandson, Rhodes, at the wheel, receiving his first mowing lesson from Dad. But he had trouble staying the course. I believe God gave children a dad because grandmas, like me, would lock them up where they would be safe.

“Calm down, Grandma,” my son told me. “He has to learn.”

“Okay. He has to learn, but does it need to be in my yard?” 

His dad gave him repeated instructions on safety and remained close by to guide his path. Even with all the guidance, at one point, my yard looked like a patchwork quilt. After much encouragement and more work, the yard was mostly mowed. 

Do the Father’s Will

Rhodes’s learning session led me to think about my own experiences with tasks I have undertaken. When the path gets weary, do I do my best? Do I keep going and finish the job?

Do Your Best

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.

~Colossians 3:23 NASB 2020 

My grandson got on the lawnmower and tried his best. Although he knew his dad could do a better job, he wanted to mow. Sometimes, in the middle of a task, I might become disheartened, thinking of someone else who could do a better job, who may have excelled in the past. Yet, if God called me to the task, I’m only responsible for doing my best. I’m not called to do their best. The outcome of a God-given task is dependent ultimately on Him. My responsibility is obedience—get on the mower and mow.

Don’t Give Up

Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.

~Galatians 6:9 NASB 2020 

As Rhodes mowed, sweat poured down his face, and gnats swarmed. He could easily have given up. I gave him water, and his father loaned him his sunglasses. With that help, he continued in his job. In my own tasks, I might allow other things to intrude and pull me away from my purpose. Rehearsing who the call came from helps me in staying the course, even when I can’t see results. I must take the next step, make use of any help given, and allow God to guide me when the gnats swarm and the sweat blinds my eyes.

Finish The Job

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 1:6 NASB 2020

My little mower had the help of a loving father to guide him. His dad instructed him on how to safely work the mower and mow methodically. He was equipped to succeed. In the same way, I have a heavenly Father who has equipped me for every work. Not only does He provide the tools, but He also gives companionship along the way. He is there guiding me and will ultimately assure the task is completed. Again, obedience, is required of me. 

Do you remember a time of discouragement or weariness while attempting a God-given task? How has God strengthened you for the work? Stay the course. 

Seek to do the Father’s will, do your best, don’t give up, and finish the job. 

Dear Lord, thank You for working through me for Your purposes. May I remember to temper my emotions and relax in Your will. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Sharon Davis: Stay the Course: All Rights Reserved.