“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NASB

Do you know that extraordinary kingdom-minded people stay in the race? They don’t give up. They don’t quit. First of all, as a leader you will need courage to stay the course no matter what the circumstances are. Remember that God has not put within you a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind. It was Winston Churchill who said, “Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” And Chris Bradford said, “Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone would expect you to fall apart, now that is true strength.” Be reminded daily that God is with you whatever you face, and you can face it with courage wherever you go. Be encouraged. Secondly, to stay in the race it will also take determination. It has often been said that the one quality that makes a difference in the success or failure of a task is determination. FreeDictionary.com defines determination as “a firmness of purpose, resolve, fixed intention or resolution.” In other words, approach a task with determination. Napoleon Hill said, “Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.” Determination keeps you persevering through all the roadblocks in the ups and downs that you will face.

Declare these scriptures:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NASB

“Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14 NASB

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14:27 NASB