The Power of Desire

                 By Dr.Handel Leslie

Desire is one of the most fundamental forces necessary for success. All favorable outcomes are based on the right desire. The word ‘desire’ in its simplest definition is to have a longing for, or to want something passionately. Desires vary in life from the worst to the best; however, when we refer to desire, it is in terms of positive desire. Sometimes a desire to have what we want can be corrupted if our motives are incorrect. 

The desire to reach a definite object having the right motive is essential in the pursuit of all endeavors. Those who leave a mark on our world, are always men and women who have had the desire to succeed. That strong adrenaline to succeed is that which creates real desire. In many cases desire is more than attaining the material. Sometimes it is a spiritual quest or the ambition to become better at what you do.

Having what is called a burning desire propels one in the direction of his definite goals. It must be made clear that goals without the desire to accomplish them, is like a car with an engine but has no fuel. When desire is paramount in the life of a person, there is always an overwhelming will to win.

The story is told of Julius Caesar, when he landed his army in England, he was not willing to take chances of any possible retreat, he demonstrated to his troops that the invasion was a victory or death situation. So he burnt his ships before their eyes. His actions were not based on wish or hope but one of definite desire.

Columbus had a mission to discover parts of the world but his desire was definite, he wrote in one of his legendary journals, “That day we sailed westward, which was our course.” Where are you sailing? What course of action are you taking? Until you are definite about your desire, nothing will work effectively for you. Jesus said in Mark 11:24, “…. What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.”

A positive desire propels an individual to believe for the outcome of good. Faith when mixed with desire and persistence will always bring forth the expected outcome. When the fire of desire burns within you, it will cut off all course of retreat; the right to surrender to the challenges will be revoked and success will become the only course.

When faith is in motion, there is never a need to consider the impossible, for if you can believe, all things are possible. It is said that we can respond to our faith or be consumed by our doubt. Growing up in the Caribbean has imprinted vivid memories of true patriotism; one of our national heroes who sacrificed his life and had a strong desire for the liberation of our people was Marcus Garvey, he said, “Some of us seem to accept the fatalist position, the fatalist attitude, that the Creator accorded to us a certain position and condition, and therefore there is no need trying to be otherwise.”

In order to make it, the fatalist attitude must be broken. Failure comes to those whose desire to try again has been stifled by the conditions of life. There are only two options to life, move on or move out of the way. The person captivated by positive desire will always find a way to the accomplishing of his dream. 

Your positive desire for good should be nourished and cherished. The need to fan the flames of such desire is imperative. Never give up on a God-given desire; faith will give you the push to see that desire come to pass. If you write it, rehearse it and pursue it, then one day, it will become a reality.