Don't Give Up!
April 12, 2004
There are times when you'll feel the challenges
you face are too great, the obstacles too high, the problems too
tough, and the conflicts too painful. At such times you'll be
emotionally, mentally, and physically spent. During those dark
days remember that men and women who persevered attained the
greatest accomplishments in world history. They were men who
allowed hardship to strengthen their resolve rather than destroy
it.
James, the half-brother of Jesus urged us to
rejoice in hardship because the testing of our faith produces
endurance (James 1:3). The author of Hebrews hammered home the
same truth when he said, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by
such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us
run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, wanted to
do more than repair bicycles--so they dreamed of a machine they
could ride across the sky. Determined to follow their dream,
they made history when the first power-driven airplane puttered
into the sky on December 17, 1903.
Daniel Webster was not by nature a gifted
communicator. But after years of hard work he became one of
America's greatest orators.
George Washington lost more battles than he won
during the American Revolution, but he led the nation to victory
and became the first president of the United States.
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress while
languishing in the Bedford Prison in England where he was
suffering because of his religious views.
When we look at biblical examples we discover they
all had to persevere. Abraham lived for decades waiting for God
to fulfill his promise to give him a son. Joseph spent time
behind prison bars after being falsely accused of attempted
rape. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before being told
by God to deliver the Jewish people. Look how Job suffered
before God restored his health and blessed him with a new family
and wealth. The Apostle Paul wrote many of his New Testament
letters from prison.
And then there was Elmo McGringle. I bet you've
never heard of him, have you. That's because he gave up.
I'm not sure what's going on in your life today.
But I am sure that today or in the future you'll encounter
hardship--we all do. During those times persevere. Hold to God's
promise "that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans
8:28). Persevere. Don't give up. Keep trusting in God. He won't
let you down. He may not get you out of your hardship, but he
will get you through it.
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