QUITTING
Like the boxer who, in the middle of a championship fight, said, “No mas” (Spanish for “No more”) and refused to come out of his corner, most of us have moments when we feel like quitting. Whether the foe has been our job, family relationships, or other difficult circumstances, we’ve been smacked in the nose too many times and we want to cry, “No more!” The Bible recognizes that life is difficult and at times overwhelming. Faith does not prevent hardship, but it does offer resources, encouragement, and hope to help us persevere when we feel like quitting.
HOW CAN I KEEP GOING WHEN I FEEL LIKE QUITTING?
Nehemiah 4:1-23 . . . “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? . . . That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”
Faced with an overwhelming task and discouragement from adversaries, Nehemiah kept his eyes on the goal and his call.
Acts 20:22-24 . . . Now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me.
Paul faced unimaginable hardship yet finished the course.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 . . . We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit.
Even in the midst of suffering, believers can find strength to endure for Christ.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 . . . I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Matthew 10:22 . . . Those who endure to the end will be saved.
Galatians 6:9 . . . Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
We avoid discouragement by keeping our eyes on the goal and reward of heaven.
PROMISE FROM GOD:
Matthew 10:22 . . . Everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.