Published  February 9, 2025

by Andy Berges

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"The masses of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to their graves with the song still in them."

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Those were Henry David Thoreau's thoughts back in 1854.

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Men and women alike continue to go to their graves taking their God-given gifts and talents with them, never sharing them with the world. ​

 

Our divine purpose in life is the very essence of our existence. God has blessed each of us with unique gifts that He expects us to use for the benefit of humanity and the world.

 

As Proverbs 19:21 informs us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Unfortunately, too many follow their selfish desires and end up living lives of “quiet desperation” as Thoreau stated.

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God reveals His calling for our lives at the appropriate time and when He does, we must wholeheartedly commit ourselves to achieving the mission He expects us to fulfill.

 

Many people begin to pursue their mission earnestly but then give up and do not succeed due to a lack of an essential trait: perseverance. Perseverance is a key ingredient required to achieve success with our missions. As Galatians 6:9 teaches us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

 

Thoreau’s somber observations about people living lives of quiet desperation have applied throughout history and will continue to do so. Fortunately though, his encouraging words will also apply to those who choose to pursue their God-given mission in life with unwavering perseverance:

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“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in uncommon hours."