I want to give up. The words have plagued me for as long as I can remember, and undoubtedly I am not alone. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ did not put a stop to thoughts of wanting to give up, but following Christ provided me with the perfect antidote. How can I possibly forget the little season in my life I was working on writing and publishing a little devotional called, “Don’t Give Up.” In the very period of time I was scrambling to meet my deadline, I desperately wanted to give up. And that is exactly when the Lord solidified in my heart how to handle those seasons of my life when I am mightily tempted to give up.
Some people want to give up on life altogether. Others want to give up on people in their lives. Some want to give up on themselves. Some want to call it quits with their jobs, commitments, projects, their dogs, anything or anyone at all. Some people even want to give up on and turn away from God. I have experienced all of these temptations, and for years fell prey to exactly that. Quitting. I was the ultimate quitter. But the Lord drew me to Himself, led me to His Word, filled me with His Holy Spirit and scriptures, and has given me the strength to endure. Though I fall short, and fail often, I have learned to persevere. And there are three primary ways I have discovered combined together is the very best method to combat the “I want to give up” thoughts that come flying at me.
1. Cleave to the Lord
2. Cling to His Word
3. Walk in His ways
In plain English, God wants us all to repent of our sins and believe in Jesus as Lord who died on the cross for our sins to be forgiven and promised everlasting life, but this act of being born again is just the beginning. He wants us to develop an intimate relationship of love, adoration, service, devotion and worship of Him and to hold onto Him for dear life. Next, He wants us to cling to His Word, the Bible, studying it as we take the time to sit at His feet, seek His face, listen for His voice, and learn to obey. And, the Lord wants us to commit to walk in His ways whereby we are willing to turn away from the ways of this world and our flesh, and to devote ourselves to Him and to living according to what He teaches us in the Bible.
We should never give up on God, nor ever give up on His Word and His ways. Not ever. And if we choose to believe in Christ and walk with the Lord, He will give us the strength to endure.
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13 KJV