TMDPB – The Modern Day Parables Blog

“Keep right on to the end of the road

Keep right on to the end

Though the way be long, let your heart be strong

Keep right on ’round the bend

If you′re tired and weary, still journey on

’Til you come to your happy abode

Where all your love and your dreaming of

Will be there at the end of the road.”

— Sir Harry Lauder

Life is full of highs and lows. Some days feel like a feast, and others feel like famine. And when the cupboard is bare—literally or figuratively—we need wisdom for how to move forward.

I once heard a pastor say, “When life feels empty, put another rod in.” For those of you who fish, you’ll get this right away. If you fish with two rods instead of one, you double your chances of catching something. Spiritually speaking, that means keep going, keep trying, keep trusting God even when the results don’t come quickly.

I once shared this with a close friend when we were talking about finances. Like many immigrants, I’ve hustled harder than a squirrel in winter—at one point I had five jobs: one regular gig and four driving jobs. To put it bluntly, I could outwork a cartel boss trying to make quota. (Not exactly a career goal, but hey—it paid the bills.)

What Do You Do in Famine Seasons?

When hard times hit, we all respond differently:

Some hoard when things are good, hoping to survive the next famine. Some grind harder, working like beavers building a dam before the storm. Some pray first… while others only throw up a “Hail Mary” at the last possible second. Some overthink. Some stress. Some just freeze.

But Scripture points us to a better way:

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

— Matthew 6:31–33, ESV

Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “Stop working” or “Quit trying.” He says, “Seek first.” In other words: trust God first, then hustle if you must—but don’t flip the order.

Keep Casting

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9, ESV

When you’re “tired and weary”, when your prayers feel unanswered, when your nets come up empty—don’t stop casting. Put another rod in. Keep working, keep praying, keep trusting. The famine doesn’t last forever, and God promises a harvest in due time. You think you are alone? Examine what happened and how Jesus told the disciples to recast their nets when they were “tired and weary” (Luke 5:4-11)

Final Thought

Sir Harry Lauder sang, “Keep right on to the end of the road.” Jesus put it this way:

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

— Matthew 24:13, ESV

So whether you’re fishing, hustling, or just trying to keep your head above water—don’t quit. Put another rod in, but keep your eyes on the One who calms the storm and fills the nets.

Because He’s the one who brings the real catch.