Reaching Goals by Going Against the Current

“Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.”—Joshua 14:12 (KJV)

Everyone defeats hostile territories in their own way. Life doesn’t stand still. Any current success is brought about by plowing through yesterday’s roadblocks.

Caleb

In Joshua, chapter 14, the Jewish leaders are dividing up the conquered lands of Canaan. Caleb demands the mountain Moses promised to him decades earlier. It’s been a holy mountain to the Jewish leaders for hundreds of years. This tradition will also continue on for centuries. Several factors make Caleb’s desire to possess the territory amazing:

• He’s 85 years old.
• The mountain is filled with giants and fortified cities.

For his trouble, Caleb received one of the most prized spots in the Promised Land. The sacred city of Hebron was also located on the mountain.

Salmon (Please see this article for more information.)

As shown in the image above, salmon are one of the few species that swim upstream to lay their eggs. Why? Isn’t it a waste of time and effort? Isn’t there an easier way?

Actually, no, there is no simple method. Let’s look at their route of migration:

OceanèFast river watersèCalm gravel beds on the upper levels of rivers

The adult fish usually return to the exact place of their own birth. They die giving life to the next generation. It’s a kind of circle of life. There are two reasons for the harsh journey:

• There’s less chance of eggs being swept away in calmer waters.
• The salmon are biologically wired to sniff out their place of birth.

For their trouble, the migrating fish provide a calm place of birth for their offspring. The cycle continues; the favor is passed down.

My Conclusion (Quotes taken from brainyquote.com.)

 “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.”--Napoleon Hill

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“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”—Frederick Douglass

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What have you overcome to be where you are today?