Don't Give Up!

 Don’t Give Up!

Quitting is a natural response to intimidating challenges. Giving up, walking out, throwing in the towel, and checking out are automatic reactions for too many of God's people when faced with hardnesses. Our Lord understands this weakness and inclination; He prescribes that we take courage instead. In effect God says, 'When you must walk through floodwaters and fires, I will see you through them all….trust Me', says our Lord God. Notice His exact words to ancient Israel as they faced a tumultuous future, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2). Though the Lord indicated Israel would faces some serious challenges in the days ahead, He sought to assure them of His love, presence, and protective hand. He did not promise the hardness will not touch them and He did not promise to take away all of their cares and concerns. He did promise that He would be with them every step of the journey. Acknowledging the truth that He is truly with us when life hurts is key to surviving the fires and floods of life. Take careful note of MacDonald’s strengthening comments,

In tones of tender love, Jehovah assures His people that they need not … fear, because He who created, formed, redeemed, and called them will be with them in the flood and fire. The Holy One of Israel gives Egypt as their ransom, a promise that was fulfilled after the return of the Jews from captivity. –MacDonald, W. (1995).

Beloved, our great God knows YOU, and He fully understands exactly where you are. He has not lost you in the floodwaters or the fiery trials! Though life presently hurts beyond your ability to express, our Lord is not oblivious, nor has He ceased to care deeply. Remember, He created you with a definite purpose in mind, He redeemed you making you His very own—dislodging you from any obligations to sin, He has graciously provided for you and sustained you, and He has been diligent to protect you from all dangers—both seen and unseen. Therefore, in these perplexing times refuse to be overwhelmed with fears! Deny the devil a victory by declining the indulgence of doubts. Do not give up or in because you are weary and tired! Don't quit because you feel abandoned and alone. Why? You can continue because you are not alone! Yes, you may feel alone, but you are not actually alone! Our Lord said, "I will be with thee". Again the God who cannot lie said, “I will be with thee” (Isa. 42:3). Therefore He is indeed with you through the fires and the floods! Mark yourself by pure wisdom because you consciously chose to trust this promise from an honest God! Believe Him now. Don’t give up because you are afraid, weary, gun-shy, or feel alone!