Giving up would be a lot easier.
Ever felt like that? Maybe you’re feeling it today.
Giving up on a dream because it’s just not happening fast enough.
Giving up on your marriage because you’ve “had enough.”
Giving up on a goal because it’s becoming to hard to achieve.
Giving up on believing the good, standing up for what’s right, following your faith… because who else does any of this?
I’ve been there. To all of these.
But, would giving up really be easier?
What if we gave up on our dream just right before a big breakthrough?
What if we gave up on our marriage when it was really worth fighting for?
What if we gave up on our goal too soon, when it was just about to be achieved?
What if we gave up on believing, standing up, and faith following when we might be the one to make a difference?
Friend, don’t give up.
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7
What if you and I, instead, pressed on and pressed ahead? What if we used the temptation to quit as a motivator to keep going? What if we chose to keep on keeping on, inspiring others to do the same? Pressing on when we feel like quitting blesses us, and blesses others. I’ll even say it blesses God.
Yes, it may be hard. Yes, it may be tiring and wearisome. Yes, it may cause us to change perspectives and habits. But friend, it’ll be worth it.
Giving up is not an option for those who persevere.
(A.k.a. you and me.)
When you and I feel like giving up on whatever we’re coming up against, may we cling to this scripture:
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. Galatians 6:9
With all the times above I felt like giving up, looking back now, I’m thankful I didn’t. I believe you will be too.
Will you pray with me?
Father God, You know everything about us, and You know what we’re going through. Father, we’re tempted to quit. We feel like giving up on the situation we’re facing right now. Nothing seems to be happening. We feel like we can’t do any more. We’re tired and weary. We’re the only ones continuing to believe. Father, we place these circumstances in Your hands, and we ask You to encourage us to trust as You work them out in your plans and timing. Please encourage our hearts and strengthen us to press on and persevere. May You be glorified in it all. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Pressing on with you!
Julie
It’s a blessing to link arms and posts with my Tuesday buddies: Holly for #TestimonyTuesday, Crystal for #IntentionalTuesday, and Kelly for #RaRaLinkup.
Thank you Julie for the encouragement! We’ve had a rough week with my teen..and lots of transitions and uncertainty! I haven’t felt so weary in a long time..it broke yesterday after deep prayer, but I still need that extra robust sense of hope! This really speaks to me, too
“What if we gave up on our dream just right before a big breakthrough?”..I have that sense, too, all good is ahead and new life is trying to burst through. Perfect for Easter!! Loved visiting today!
I love your words, “… all good is ahead and new life is trying to burst through.” Yes, perfect for Easter! That gives me a new thought on new life and encourages me so. Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate you stopping over and sharing your wisdom. Always a pleasure to have you here. Blessings!
Julie thank you for putting Gods word before me. I needed to remember that giving up is not an option. I am in pain everyday, and will be the rest of my life, due to an accident in 2014. My new normal is hard to accept but I am trying. I have been striving to develop a daily routine which includes time with our savior. Your blog encourages me and helps me to keep my eyes on Jesus. To not resent my pain or situation but to embrace it and grow, to remember that Jesus knows my situation and walks with me. Giving up is not an option and praise God he makes it possible to live in victory. He gives up HOPE. Blessings to you.
Hello, Mary. Thank you for sharing a piece of you here. It blesses me so. I’m sorry to read you were in an accident a couple years ago, and how you’re in pain every day. Please know I am praying for you today, and have added you to my prayers for the days ahead. I’m thankful God encouraged you through the words here, and I’m grateful we share that same HOPE. Keeping my eyes on Jesus, right along with you. Glad we can walk this road together!
Julie, what a timely post. The last few days have been rough and when things get rough, we tend to want to give up! I love your message: Don’t give up, press on and press ahead. There’s definitely breakthrough on the other side of any trial. Thanks for sharing at Testimony Tuesday.
I agree, when things get rough, I can be tempted to give up. But there’s something better at the end when we press through. Glad we can encourage each other as we press on! Thanks for stopping over and sharing.
Oh Julie! Thank You. I needed this reminder today.
Hey, friend! Thank you for being here. You always bless me!
Amen Julie! I love the prayer and the encouragement to keep pressing on. This was just the message I needed to hear today. This last week has been a little challenging for me and it is so easy to say I want to throw in that towel.
Blessings to you!
Dawn
You’re not alone, Dawn. I can relate to your words and your feelings. Pressing on isn’t so easy, but I believe it’s worth it. May God bless you as you do!
Perseverance has been my theme song, but I often need hear it from someone else. Thank you!
Bless.
Amen, Christy! I appreciate you and your continued encouraging words. God bless you, friend!