Piston Rings

In 1938, Soichiro Honda, while still a student, began to develop the concept of a piston ring. His idea was to sell it to Toyota . He worked day and night on his project. He had no capital so he sold his wife's rings and jewelry. In time, he took the piston rings to Toyota only to be rejected. Back in the lab, he was ridiculed by other engineers for his design. Undeterred, he retooled the rings and two years later Toyota awarded him a contract.

Sadly, he had no factory to manufacture the rings. Because Japan was war-focused, there were little-to-resources available. Honda, therefore, invented a new type of concrete and built a factory. Unfortunately, the factory was bombed twice and destroyed. At this point in the war, steel was not available to rebuild. Collecting surplus gas cans thrown away by U.S. Troops, Honda had raw materials to build again. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed the factory yet again.

Once the war ended, a gas shortage in Japan forced people to ride bicycles. Honda attached one of his small engines to his bike to motorize it. His neighbors wanted one, too! The bad news: he couldn't get supplies to build the engines. Would he quit? Actually he wrote to 18,000 bicycle shop owners urging them to help him revitalize Japan . Over 5000 responded with money. With this capital, Honda built his small engine for bikes.

Unfortunately, the models were too bulky to be practical. As you might imagine, he redesigned a smaller engine, called it the "Super Cub," and began exporting Honda motorbikes to Europe and America . With the gas shortage of the '70's and Honda's expertise in small engine design, he developed tiny cars with great fuel economy. The rest is history... and in your driveway! Honda was a man who absolutely refused to quit.

What about you and your calling?

What do you at work when obstacles arise? Do you give up?

Have you already given up or do you fight through the roadblocks that are sure to land in your path?

What do you want to do?

What has God called you to do?

Life is never going to be a cake-walk. The recipe for fulfillment of your God-call includes perseverance, tenacity, and a sure commitment to the long-haul. Are you willing? How badly do you want it?

Today's Workplace Challenge:

Stay with it.
If the call of God is upon you, don't quit. Find a way.
Call on the wisdom, power and resources of God to be who He has called you to be at work, in your career, in the marketplace, or wherever He has led you.
Expect rejection. See it as part of the pathway to achievement and ultimate success. Use it as a stepping-stone to the next phase of the journey. Paul said, "Do not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal. 6:9)

Jesus was rejected and didn't quit. Neither should you! Have a great Saturday! Stay with it if God has called you to it. He will make a way!

“TheOther6Days” – WB Journal