Thinking of Giving Up?

It's not always easy to be a Christian, is it?

Many who are baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) are filled with excitement and passion for the Lord. "This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy..." (Matthew 13:20). But that excitement sometimes wanes as they encounter the unavoidable trials of life...and of faith. They realize that they still have to face the same temptations. Or perhaps it dawns on them that God actually expects them to follow up their rebirth with daily commitment and obedience to Christ (Rom. 12:1-2)...which may sound overwhelming. Others cave to the pressures of the world, to ridicule and criticism from old friends (1 Pet. 4:3-4). 

And so even though they have received the word with joy, "[they have] no root in [themselves], but endure only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately [they stumble]" (Matthew 13:20-21).

Have you been there before? Are you there now?

Are you spiritually frustrated? Are you tired of trying? Are you ready to throw in the towel? 

If so, consider the example of the Israelites who, following their deliverance from Egypt, had endured many trials in the wilderness and now faced a roadblock that seemed unconquerable. At the border of the "Promised Land," they were commanded to march boldly in and take it. But when it dawned on them that there were some pretty powerful nations in Canaan, they cried out, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we!" (Num. 13:31). Instead of pressing forward, they wanted to throw in the towel; they wanted to return to Egypt (Num. 14:3-4). They had prayed for deliverance, and had tried things God's way...but things weren't working out. This wasn't what they had expected. 

Sound familiar? Have you been there before? Are you there now?

If so, consider what Joshua and Caleb said to these people...

"The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them" (Numbers 14:7-9).

The message? Don't give up. The Lord is with you, and with Him, you can get through this. Don't be afraid, but trust the Lord. Was the task before the Israelites easy? Not at all. And I'm not trying to diminish what you may be going through right now. Life is hard! But God is stronger.

Dear reader, if you will continue to trust God and obey Him, everything WILL work out.

Thinking of giving up? Please don't!