Don't Quit

"God, I give up. I quit. I have gone through many trials in my life, but none this difficult. I cannot do it anymore. I am sorry, but I quit." Has anyone else ever felt this way, or is it only me? This was from a journal entry of mine written in 2023. Sadly, not that long ago! I was going through a trial and was ready to give up at the time. In my 50 years on this earth, I can look back and see that there were many of these instances of feeling like giving up.

I know that this is a huge understatement, but life would be so much easier if we had no problems! Unfortunately, we live in a world riddled with problems, but that was not what God originally intended. Before Adam and Eve sinned, the world was perfect. The enemy set out to deceive and ultimately bring destruction and separation from God through Adam and Eve’s sin; extending to the whole of the human race. Although we live in a fallen world that brings with it moments of pain and tribulation, Jesus is the only One that can help us through the very desperate of times. His plan of salvation provided the way back to the Father, and to His promise of an abundant life.

It is very easy to give up when times get tough. During intense moments in my life, I end up with those feelings of resignation. But, if we just keep on keeping on, we will see the victory in our lives. I remember seeing a cartoon one time that keeps coming back to my mind when I feel like giving up. It is of a miner digging under the ground trying to find a treasure. But this cartoon shows that the miner stops digging just before he reaches the treasure and turns back in the opposite direction. The digging was hard and long, and he gave up just before he reached his reward.

As I look back over my life, I can see those times of difficult physical and emotional trials — one of which I am going through now with the recent passing of my mother. But to be honest, I cannot remember for the life of me what was so difficult on that day in 2023 to cause me to want to give up! The Lord helped me through that tough time. I realize now that if we keep pressing through, keep trusting in God, and continue to persevere, we will get through those trials…and some of them will even become a distant memory.

If you feel like giving up, don’t! Continue to take it a day at a time and stand on this word from II Chronicles 15:7: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” Call upon the Lord. He will see you through. Keep pressing through and don’t quit! Don’t stop digging now…you are on the brink of finding that treasure in your life!