Not My Strength

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
In my previous blog I spoke about the ongoing ‘saga’ (as one friend put it last night) of seeking to become licensed as a real estate broker. There are times when it seems my becoming a broker is like the trial of Sisyphus; something that appears to be nearly successful only to find there is yet another hill to roll the stone up. My mind understands why some of these ‘hills’ have happened, but my heart is struggling to find the impetus to go on.

Most recently someone who had studied with me to prepare for the class final exam and the state exam called to express doubts over the issue of trusting me as a person and potential agent. This, more than almost anything else that has occurred, seemed to take the wind out of my sails and I was ready to throw in the towel. There was no energy left within me to go on; no drive to succeed or even do anything but sit on the couch and stare at the walls. Some thoughts crossed my mind that was especially dark, but then that “…still, small voice…” seemed to whisper to me to reach out to others.

This morning I was reminded once again how my old friend Paul experienced so much more in the way of resistance and conflict, yet continued to rely upon the God he served for the desire and energy to continue in that service. Can I do any less? The position of real estate agent is one that is not for everyone as it can be demanding and even overwhelming when you consider the amount of detail involved in even one listing or purchase of a house. Without a team to back you up, without a group of like-minded folks that will come alongside you, it is a task that is often done in a manner that reflects poorly upon the real estate community. Go Realty is such a group; even before I am an agent and despite all the struggles I’ve experienced so far, many of them have spoken words of encouragement and support and are fighting with me to get me over that finish line that will be receiving my license.

The words of Paul and the support of my friends at Go Realty; how can I but ‘go’ on?