GIVING UP

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?

BIBLE READING: Psalm 13:1-6

KEY BIBLE VERSE: O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? (Psalm 13:1)

BEING HONEST WITH GOD ABOUT OUR FEELINGS IS OUR FIRST STEP TOWARD VICTORY.

Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. In this psalm, the phrase how long occurs four times in the first two verses, indicating the depth of David’s distress. David expressed his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to express hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

REAL TRUST DOESN’T GIVE UP.

David frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God’s justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember David’s steadfast faith in God’s unfailing love.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 9:18-26

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (Matthew 9:22)

GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY IS ONE REASON TO NEVER GIVE UP.

God changed a situation that had been a problem for years. Like the leper and the demon-possessed men, this diseased woman was considered unclean. For twelve years, she too had been one of the “untouchables” and had not been able to lead a normal life. But Jesus changed that and restored her. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope.

BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

GIVING UP OFTEN CAUSES US TO MISS THE BEST GOD HAS TO OFFER.

It is easy to quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Don’t let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today’s pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

Love

Leslene