The Apostle Paul was a man that faced many hardships, including death on numerous occasions. He was imprisoned and had his fair share of enemies. If there was ever anyone that had a reason to throw in the towel and give up, it was the Apostle Paul, but he never gave up because of his faith in God. His encouragement to Timothy and to us in 2Timothy 4:5(NLT) is “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” The thing that fueled Paul’s endurance is the same thing that will fuel ours. It is God’s strength. His strength and power is unlimited, unyielding, and inexhaustible. Paul knew that this was his link to all the energy and power he needed to teach others about the love of God, to withstand hardship, and to receive victory in life.
Paul’s transformation experience took place on the road to Damascus. He was on his way to inflict terrible harm on the very people that he taught the gospel after his encounter with Jesus Christ. For some of us, it takes years before we recognize our purpose and make the necessary changes in our hearts and minds, but it didn’t take Paul nearly that long. In a matter of days, he totally switched gears and began to pursue the Will of God in Christ Jesus. Once transformed through Christ, Paul honored God and wanted to do everything in his power to please Him. He sought the Lord diligently, and this is the only way to maximize our lives. Hebrews 11:6(NLT) confirms this for us. It tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
No matter what you’re facing in life at this moment, no matter how difficult or tough it may seem, victory is yours. You may be facing difficulties in your marriage, and you may want to give up but have faith in God. The Lord is always the solution to our problems, and He wants us to bring all our worries, issues, and troubles to Him. He loves to hear from us, and we do not have to be perfect to get His attention. We simply must believe that He hears us, that He loves us, and that He rewards those that seek Him with their whole hearts.
Many of us have been feeling as though we’re either at our limits or being pushed to it. We can’t imagine going any further, and every morning we’ve awakened to a sense of dread. You might feel that you’re not living up to the expectations of your family, children, friends, the significant person in your life or your job. You feel there’s not enough of you to go around but don’t throw in the towel and give up. I encourage you to commit some quality time to God. Be still and focus on Him and His love.
You can’t forget that you have the strength of God within you because you have the Holy Spirit living on the inside. Philippians 2:13(NLT) tells us, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Through His Spirit, God will do a work within us and He is waiting on your invitation to be at work. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, you are equipped to handle all that this world can throw your way, for Jesus tells us in 1John 4:4(NLT), “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” This is our reality, and we must trust it because God says it is so.
I encourage you to pray often. Don’t claim sadness, claim a renewed mind through Christ Jesus. Don’t claim defeat, only claim victory. Don’t ever give up … don’t ever quit. If there is anyone you can rely on to have our back—if there’s anyone that will never leave or forsake you, it’s your Heavenly Father, our Almighty God! His love is everlasting, and forever. No human being on the face of this earth can come close to matching what God will perform in your life through Jesus Christ. Just lean on Him and trust Him with all your heart! ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Don’t Give Up, Trust in God!” written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2020. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.