Unwilling

 Get the written version in your email inbox every morning by subscribing for free at TheVictorsCrown.com---UnwillingSt. Augustine gives us a disturbing scenario: at the final judgment, the devil and his demons speak these words to our Lord about us."Most just God, declare him to be mine who was unwilling to be Yours."It should unsettle us a little.First, because at the end of time, we're going one way or the other. It's as simple as that.But what strikes me most in Augustine's words is that single word: unwilling.Not "they tried and failed." Not "they were imperfect." Not even "they sinned."They were unwilling to belong to God.The question isn't whether we succeed perfectly in the Christian life. It's whether we're willing to try. Whether we're willing to belong to Him.I think of Mother Teresa's words: "God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful."Success isn't the standard. Willingness is. Faithfulness is.So the question for today is simple: Are you willing to be the Lord's?Are you willing to try, regardless of how messy the outcome might be? Are you willing to keep getting back up when you fail? Are you willing to belong to Him, even when it's hard?It is that willingness—that faithfulness—that leads to eternal life.—Let us pray. Lord, increase our faith and our hope in You. Give us the resolve and perseverance.  When we fall, help us get back up. When we're tired, make us willing to keep going. We want to be Yours. Give us the grace to say yes to You today, and every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us. Get full access to The Victor's Crown at www.thevictorscrown.com/subscribe