Lately I’ve wanted to give up.
It’s not that I literally want to die, but rather, I simply don’t want to carry on with life in this body, wracked with pain. With this mind, haunted by despair.
I’ve told God, “I don’t know how much more of this I can take, man.” Yeah, I say “man” because He’s my best Friend, and I talk to him honestly, from my GUT. He’s not some pie-in-the-sky, cloud-manifestation; He’s my Rock, my Savior, my Father, my Friend and my God.
Depression, despair and darkness are in the air; these times are THICK with them. Sometimes, late at night, thoughts of giving up may haunt the battlefield of our mind.
But in the name of Christ, we cannot give up. We can NEVER give up.
Some would ask, “Why not? With all the pain and depression, there’s no shame in choosing to lie down and rest.”
Perhaps there’s no shame in it, but quitting now is bowing down to the darkness. It would be ignoring all that is beautiful in life. If I quit now, think of how many amazing memories I’m missing out on.
Additionally, where would that leave my family? What does giving up say to them, and the world? It says, “I was not strong enough to handle what God had entrusted me with.” It’s saying, “No, I do NOT believe I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
That Bible verse is pretty simple, don’t you think? “I can do all things,” yes, but remember, “through Christ who gives me strength.” ALL things. Not “some,” but “all” things, and with His help. So where does this leave so many of us who are desperately trying to keep our heads above water?
It leaves us with the strength of Christ, and it leaves us with each other. I BELIEVE in you, not because I know you, but because God has brought you to this blog for a reason. His still voice whispers in the air, to you, “Trust Me, lean on Me. I will give you strength you never knew existed. I will give you joy which is not possible in the human realm. I love you. Don’t quit; NEVER quit! I will carry you through to the end, and meet you face-to-face on the other side.”
So no matter how dark the days; no matter how terrifying and infuriating the nights; the Lord will give us the strength to survive today. Let us not give up, and then allow tomorrow to worry about itself. Today has enough worries of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
As I wrote in a poem many years ago:
Never give up…never give in…until Christ returns or death calls us to Him.
Following are 10 Bible verses about not giving up. And remember, I and my family are praying for you!
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:29)
“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
“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)
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)
“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.'” (Matthew 19:26)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
(Jesus said) “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept My teaching. Learn from Me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Broken People 