No, the thing that makes for greatness is determination, persisting in the right direction over the long haul, following your dream, staying at the task.

When you have a sense of calling, whether it's to be a musician, soloist, artist, in one of the technical fields, or a plumber, there is something deep and enriching when you realize it isn't just a casual choice, it's a divine calling. It's not limited to vocational Christian service by any means.

To be used of God. Is there anything more encouraging, more fulfilling? Perhaps not, but there is something more basic: to meet with God.

You may be going through a trial so overwhelming that it's borderline unbearable. You want to see the end of the tunnel. Which is only natural, because once we see that little speck of light, we feel we can make it through to the finish. But God's tunnels are often twisting, too complex and dark to see the light for many days. In such settings He says, "In that dark, twisting, seemingly endless period of time, trust Me. Stop running scared! Stop fearing!"

The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

Alleged 'impossibilities' are opportunities for our capacities to be stretched.

The beautiful thing about encouragement is that anybody can do it.