Giving Up Or Giving In

“ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10.

Have you ever felt like calling it quits? Have there been moments in your life when it seemed that all the effort and energies you were investing in changed nothing? It feels like no matter what you do, you just can’t get any traction so you never make any real progress. The logical thing to do is give in or give up or both.

On the other hand, there are days when it seems God pulls the curtain back and reveals the true worth and beauty and significance of living a Christ centered life: loving and serving others, seeing lives changed, amazing worship services, etc. 

God cares about us. When we are weak, He is strong. When we feel like quitting we can move forward in His strength. We will feel at times like giving up. God is calling us not to look at our circumstances only but to look at the author and finisher of our faith. It is in and through Jesus Christ that God gives us the strength needed to go a little further. What if, instead of thinking of quitting, we saw every circumstance as an opportunity for something miraculous to take place in all of our lives. It is often a matter of timing.

God doesn’t work to microwave timing. He works to His timing. At the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. The key is to not give up, to keep pressing on, to find an internal strength based on the promises and faithfulness of God that keeps us refreshed and motivated.  

Look at 1 Corinthians 15:58 from two different versions of the Bible. First, from the New King James (NKJV) version: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Then, from the New Living Translation (NLT): “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
 
Never give up in your pursuit of the Lord and His purposes for your life. Don’t stop; keep going. Know for certain that even in your worst moments, that everything you do for Jesus Christ counts for something.  

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some reasons Jesus gives for trusting in Him, rather than giving up?
2. What changes can you make this week to be more dependent on God when you feel like giving up?