A few years ago, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most inspiring men in my life. His name is James Drake, and we met at a time he spearheaded a city-wide outreach. After he presented his grand plan, I felt a need to connect with him beyond what he was doing with the outreach. I wasn’t sure why but something about his personality resonated with me. Afterward, we struck up a conversation that eventually turned into a friendship that continues to strengthen today. Looking back, I realized we share many personality traits and beliefs on how we approach life. However, although we are alike in many ways, James Drake always “takes it up a notch.” I thought I was intense, but he leaves me in the dust. One of the things he excels at and that I admire most about my buddy Drake is his self-discipline.

As far as I know, Drake has always been goal-driven and athletic. Whether it was playing football and running track at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, winning the Warrior Dash (one of the most grueling 5K mud run obstacle races on the planet), competing in Crossfit Games, or representing Team USA on Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster, Drake always gives his best. He trains incessantly and prepares methodically for every endeavor he undertakes. What’s most amazing about all of these accomplishments is that Drake accomplishes all these things and so much more despite being diagnosed with M.S. (multiple sclerosis).

When asked about how MS affected his outlook on life, he said, “After some time of wrestling with uncertainty, I came to realize that only God knows what the future holds. My family had a saying growing up that always stuck with me: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and all we have is today, and it is a gift. That is why it’s called the present.” Once I accepted this reality, that each day was truly a gift and it was all I had, then I wanted to invest my time wisely.”

In time Drake discovered that the only way to make the most of his life was through self-discipline. He’s found the power of self-discipline to motivate and propel him to continue to improve in all aspects of his life. “It’s hard it is to stay disciplined. As a Christian, my faith calls me to live a disciplined life. Jesus said that if we are going to follow Him, then we must “deny” ourselves (Luke 9:23). I’m praying God gives me the strength and discipline I need to keep pressing on.”

These inspiring words from Drake’s story remind us that we too can be self-disciplined. However, it’s only possible when we surrender to the Holy Spirit for help.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Galatians 5:22-23.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law..

Pray:

Pray and ask for the strength to be disciplined.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Think about areas in your life you would like to be more disciplined. What would it take to improve or change in those areas? 

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.