Today I am here to tell you when it is okay to give up as a Christian.
Feeling Stuck
Have you ever been in a situation, let’s say like during this pandemic, and some things are getting back to normal, but you aren’t? Schools are reopening, churches are open, people are heading back out to work but you are still stuck.
The thoughts that invade your mind, are now possibly telling you to give up because if your situation hasn’t changed yet, then it probably won’t. And yes, this does seem like the perfect time to give up, to forget about your past and future, and to stop feeling stuck by giving up. You only feel stuck if you are on a journey somewhere – if there is no journey, then there is nothing to cause you to feel stuck. Right?
Giving up is NOT an option
James says, in chapter 1 verse 12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
So, when should you give up? Never. This is because we have a crown of life that we are striving for, and we will reach it if we remain steadfast under trial. Life is hard right now, and it might make us want to give up, but Paul also said in Philippians chapter 4, verse 13 that “[We] can do all things through [Christ] who gives [us] strength.”
I could go on and on listing the scriptures on why we shouldn’t give up, but it ultimately comes down to how much we know God. God is faithful, and His promises are yes and amen. So, if we know and believe that to be true, we can stop focusing on the horrors of life, and on instead focus on who God says he is.
Knowing God
We get to know God through our circumstances and through our experiences with our fellow Christians. Through these situations we learn about faith, trust, patience and wisdom. The more we experience, the more we learn and the more we grow, but if we opt out of the experiences, then we miss out on lessons and experiences that could lead us and others closer to God.
In no way are these lessons always fun, because growing and changing hurts sometimes. It requires breaking down and rebuilding to get back to a stronger version of the original. Take for example - you break a bone and also break through the skin, as time goes by and the healing process takes place, there will be pain involved.
Trust the Process
We feel pain, because the pain fibers have been damaged and exposed and are now more sensitive. But also, as the skin heals, and tissues die, they are replaced by new growth. The nerve endings regrow and are sensitive to initial touch, until they are fully grown again and are covered by the protective skin layer. At times a scar is formed as the skin is doing it’s best to strengthen the area that was damaged. Underneath all of that, the bone resorbs itself and lays down new bone to strengthen the two severed pieces. However, even though, we may feel pain, we are getting stronger as our body heals.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11.)
Even though it hurts right now, and it feels like you want to throw in the towel, remember the Creator of the universe cares about you and your situation. He has a plan for your life and a plan to mold you into a better version of you. So, when you feel like giving up, remember that God did not intend for you to quit, because he will see you through. He said he will never leave nor forsake you and he is faithful to his words. So as life moves on, and you feel stuck, remember God will be with you to see you to the end.