Sometimes, we face a problem or an obstacle that seems too difficult. Sometimes, the problem may be a relatively small problem like losing weight. But for some people, losing weight is not a small problem. Maybe for you, it’s a life or death issue. You know you have to lose weight. You’ve been trying, but it’s hard to stick to your diet, and you feel like giving up.
Or maybe your problem is a bad habit. You’re trying to change. You’ve been trying to kick the habit, but quitting is hard, and you keep giving in to the urges.
Trying to lose weight or kick a bad habit can be a real struggle, but there are some problems that are really big–problems that not only affect us but they affect those around us.
Maybe your struggle is at home. Your marriage has soured. Your spouse has broken your trust. It’s a loveless marriage, and you’re contemplating getting a divorce.
I’m not here to tell you what to do. Your life and the decisions you make are yours. My purpose is to encourage you to consider that maybe—maybe it’s too soon to give up. Whether it’s losing weight, kicking a bad habit, or saving your marriage, I want to encourage you to keep trying. Hang in there. Don’t give up.
Ever heard the song I Never Promised You a Rose Garden? That song could have been written by God. The fact is, God never promised that life would be easy. Jesus says it best. Jesus says: “In this world you will have trouble (John 16:33).” When I was a pastor, I often told my congregation: “Life is hard and then you die.”
Even in the good times, life can be hard, and sometimes people feel like giving up.
John F. Kennedy’s father told him: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s easy to say, but what if you’re not so tough? Even the biggest, toughest men face situations that are bigger than they are. What do you do then? What if life is tougher than you are?
Let me suggest what you shouldn’t do. You shouldn’t give up. Whatever trial you’re facing–whatever the problem–whatever burden or obstacle you face, you can overcome it. It’s always too soon to quit. Now is not the time to throw in the towel.
You get punched. You get knocked down. Don’t lay there. Get back up. Yes, you might get knocked down again, but you can’t just lay there. You have to fight back.
When Nazi Germany was marching across Europe, and Hitler had England in his sights, Winston Churchill didn’t surrender. Churchill inspired the British people to take a stand against Hitler’s aggression. He told them to “Never, never, never give in”. The same applies to you. You can’t give up.
You are in a struggle–a battle. Don’t give up without a fight. You can’t cut and run. Running never solves anything. You might think that you can escape your problems, but the reality, is our problems have a tendency to stick with us. Your problems will follow you. You need to keep fighting until you overcome the problem. You need to keep fighting until you win.
But what if you don’t have any fight left? What if you feel defeated? Why not just throw in the towel and give up? Why keep fighting? What difference does it make? What difference does it make if you overcome your problem? What benefit is there in staying in the fight when it seems that no matter how hard you try, nothing changes?
The reason why it matters that you don’t give up is because there are people who depend on you. There are people in your life who need to see you win the fight. They need you to be a winner. They need to see that you have what it takes to overcome your problem. Your fight is their fight.
When you have success in losing weight, people around you will be inspired. They’ll see that if you can do it–if you can win your battle, they can do it too. Your victory will inspire others. When you kick that bad habit, your friends and family will be encouraged. They’ll be proud of you and will see that it’s possible to make positive changes in their own lives. These are the obvious struggles—the battles that people can see.
Not all our struggles, however, are so obvious. Some problems are personal, private, and unknown to anyone but ourselves. Maybe no one but you knows about your struggle. No one else may know your personal battle. No one may know what you’re fighting against, but even though no one else knows, they will be affected. The outcome will have an impact. All our actions—all our decisions affect the people around us. So, if not for yourself, do it for them. Stay in the fight for them. Win the battle for them.
If it seems like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t win. Let me suggest that you seek help from a professional. If you attend church, talk to your pastor. These men are trained and experienced. They know how to help you, and if they can’t help, they can direct you to someone who can. The point is, get the help you need. If the storm is overwhelming, and it feels like you’re sinking under the waves, reach out for help. There are people who can pull you up and give you the help you need.
One more reason it’s too soon to give up is because there is always hope.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. God hasn’t given up on you so don’t you give up. God is with you. God is working on your behalf. God is actively involved in the circumstances of your life to help you succeed. You may not sense God’s presence, but he is there. God is with you to help you through the hard times. The Bible says that with God “we are more than conquerors” through Christ who loved us (Romans 8:37).
With God’s help, you can conquer your problem. God wants to help you through your problem and bring you to a better place. Never give up. It’s always too soon to quit.
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