Don’t quit. This is a popular message to those beginning a new career path, those training to excel in athletics and those going through difficult circumstances in life. Don’t quit. Those two words carry a depth and weight with them that can bring focus to a single moment getting us through the pain. Don’t quit … a powerful motivational speech in just two words.
God gives us that same talk as we go through suffering. Don’t quit. His word for it is endurance. Revelation 13:9-10 says, “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” The word endurance is the power to remain in an unpleasant situation without giving in. In other words, don’t quit. In order to do that we must have faith, which is belief with an action.
Difficult circumstances, like suffering, have a way of testing our faith. In the midst of those difficulties we can stand firm and not quit by staying focused on God, his presence and provision. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
But Satan and all the fake gods will do everything they can to promise you less suffering, more comfort and less problems if you will follow them. He knows that is what we want. We want a life that is comfortable and easy. However, because Satan’s future is fake, it is a cheap imitation of the real thing. In fact, a fake god will use power against you, which will ultimately lead to suffering and destruction. Ultimately his message for us is to quit. Quit reading God’s word, quit make decisions based on truth, quit going against what the world says, and quit believing that God is good.
God, on the other hand, gives us what we need. He does not promise us a life without suffering, but promises to be with us while we endure it. He uses His power for us. He is the only one that knows the future and the only one that can give you one. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Hold on to truth, keep moving in faith and … don’t quit.
This week: Take some time to tell God where you feel like quitting. Then ask Him to give you the faith to endure. Take one of the verses above and spend some time thinking deeply about it, maybe memorize the verse or read it several translations see what insight the Holy Spirit gives you. Set aside some time to focus on where you need to trust God and endure difficulty in your life. Thank God for His presence, love and strength.
-Dr. J