Twenty-nine years ago, my son, John, began taking steps that led to the birth of his website, Jesusfreakhideout.com. He was only 16 years old at the time, and to be honest, I never imagined that his efforts would lead to the creation of one of the first and largest Christian music websites in the world. John had it in his heart to convince as many people as possible – especially his peers – to turn away from ungodly secular music, and to begin listening to music that honored the Lord. As God blessed my son’s efforts, hundreds of people began visiting his site on a daily basis. Hundreds turned into thousands, and today, Jesusfreakhideout.com has reached literally millions of people all around the world.

What few people know is how many times my son wanted so desperately to quit and give up during the last 29 years. John spent long hours working on his site every single day – all through his high school and college years. Often, I would find him up late at night at his computer answering people’s questions about music and the Gospel message. John found himself ministering to site visitors day and night, and the site grew so large, and became so popular, that he had to find a sizable staff of volunteers to help him. Even today, John dedicates countless hours to his online ministry on a regular basis, even though he is married and has a son of his own.

Often, when I think of John and his ministry, I think of Jesus’ words from the Message Bible in Luke 8:15: “But the seed in the good earth – these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.” Those 29 years ago, John got a word from the Lord about starting his online music ministry, and when Satan and his evil forces came against him on a regular basis – trying their best to get him to quit – my son kept on “holding on” to his God-given vision. If he hadn’t determined to “stick with it” all these years, he would never have been able to reap the “huge harvest” that he is reaping today. (NLT) And he would have missed out on touching all of the lives that the Lord has enabled him to touch.

Maybe you have received a word from God yourself, and you have been tempted to let it go. If so, you are not reading this message by accident. The Lord wants you to think about my son’s example, and consider what you could be forfeiting if you give up on your God-given vision now. Today, I urge you to lay hold of the Lord’s call on your life, and hold on no matter what!

Prayer: Lord, help me to cooperate with You every moment of every day so that I can fulfill my God-given purpose and potential. Give me a vision for my life, and enable me to follow it with all my heart. When I am tempted to go my own way, or to give up and quit, remind me of what it can cost me. Thank You that as I cling to You and Your promises, I will reap the huge harvest that You have in store for me!