When You Feel Like Giving Up

She was to the point of giving up. Giving up on what she knew, on her future, and on the dreams she held close for years. Nothing was going right, and life was uncomfortable and difficult.

It would be better to call it quits.

Or so she thought. I didn’t see it the way she did. What I saw from the outside looking in, was progress. But I wasn’t living her life, day in and day out. I wasn’t hearing the deceptive voice telling her “it’ll never happen.” I wasn’t the one weary of the effort and disciplined work.

No wonder she was ready to give up.

Maybe you understand. It could be in your marriage or a certain relationship. Or it’s with a goal you’ve set for yourself, or a change you’ve committed to make. Maybe it’s a dream you’ve held in your heart for as long as you can remember, or it’s linked to your job or schooling.

That relationship is getting complicated and difficult.

Your marriage is far from what you dreamed it would be.

That goal feels unattainable.

You’ve hit a roadblock and that commitment you made is waning.

That dream doesn’t seem so important after all.

Your work or schooling is difficult and unpleasant.

And to top it all off, you’re tired of keeping on, keeping on, all you want to do is get off the crazy merry-go-round.

Giving up has got to be the best option. Right?

Or is it?

Before you do, please allow me to share some thoughts.

When you feel like giving up, show yourself what you’re made of.

We have two choices when we’re tempted to throw in the towel. We can either quit, or we can show ourselves exactly what we’re made of. The former tends to be the easier road to take. Quitting oftentimes sounds simpler, and is a road highly traveled. But, there’s a price to pay taking this road. It’s called regret. When we quit, we will never know what we could have done if we would have kept putting one foot in front of the other. When we take the latter road, the gifts, talents, tenacity, and passion within us ignite and propel us forward to help us do what we once thought couldn’t be done. Show yourself what you’re made of.

What if you give up too soon and miss the blessing that could be just around the corner?

Whether it’s in a relationship or a dream or something else, I’m fairly confident in stating that we have all felt like giving up a time or two. Early on, there were times I felt like giving up on my marriage was easier than fighting for it. Some days were just so hard, learning to love each other well. But I had heard someone once say, “What if you give up today and the blessing comes tomorrow?” I didn’t want to miss the blessing. So, I hung on. That truth was realized in my life over and over, and our marriage has received blessing after blessing. I’m thankful I didn’t quit.

You and God make a great team. Together, everything is possible.

One of my favorite scripture verses is Matthew 19:26…

With God all things are possible. (NIV)

I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I’ve quoted this to myself when I needed a reminder that God can do anything. He is limitless, and nothing is too hard or too difficult for Him. What’s impossible for us isn’t impossible for God. And when we do our part, and trust Him to do His, giving up becomes less of an option. Why would we give up when we have God on our side? Together, you and God are unstoppable!

You have what it takes. Don’t quit.

God wired you in a specific way, to do amazing things. He knows the desires of your heart. His plans for your life are good and perfect, and He has filled you with everything you need. When you feel like giving up, lean on Him instead, and allow Him to use what He’s placed inside you to press through and to press on. You’ve got what it takes. Don’t let you, the enemy of your soul, or anyone else tell you differently.

It may not always be easy, but from my perspective, it’s worth it. When you feel like giving up, don’t. My friend continues to put one foot in front of the other, and we’re both praying for a breakthrough and a blessing. I’m praying the same for you, my friend.

God bless you!

Julie

 

 

Linking up with Lori, Kelly, and Holly.