Finding Strength in God's Promises

Life is filled with challenges that test our resolve. Whether you're starting a business, raising children, or pursuing a dream, there will be moments when giving up seems like the easiest option. But God's message to us is clear: don't lose heart, don't grow weary, and don't give up.

What Does the Bible Say About Not Giving Up?

Galatians 6:9 perfectly captures God's "don't give up" message: "Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right. For in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint."

This verse isn't just for a select few—it's for all of us. It's for students facing academic pressure, parents navigating the complexities of raising children in today's culture, and anyone who feels worn out by life's demands.

God wants you to know that He's on your side. He sees your struggles and wants to help guide you through them.

How Do We Stay Thankful During Difficult Times?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us: "In every situation, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

Notice that we're called to give thanks IN every situation, not FOR every situation. When we position ourselves in God's will through thanksgiving, we allow Him to fight for us and bring supernatural victory even in our most challenging moments.

Is "Don't Give Up" About Human Effort?

This message isn't about doubling down on human effort. Romans 9:16 makes this clear: "So then God's gift is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God's mercy. It depends not on one's own willingness, nor on his strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God's having mercy on Him."

When God tells you not to give up, He's not promoting self-reliance but trust in His work. Romans 4:16 reinforces this: "Therefore, inheriting the promise is the outcome of faith and depends entirely on faith in order that it might be given as an act of grace to make it stable and valid and guaranteed."

What Practical Steps Can Help Us Not Give Up?

1. Know Your Objective

Decide your purpose in light of God's truth. As created beings, we should consult with our Creator about His purpose for us. This is so simple that only religion could complicate it.

2. Encourage Yourself in the Lord

Even King David, a great warrior and psalmist, had discouraging times when he had to encourage himself in the Lord. Learning this skill is mandatory for overcoming challenges and living the "don't give up" life.

3. Work the Vision

Empty likes to sing sad songs in your ear. You can't afford to be without God's vision for your future. The news channel or binge-watching shows won't fill your tank with vision. God isn't holding out on you—He's saying, "Taste and see how good I am."

4. Give Up (What Holds You Back)

This might seem contradictory, but to truly live the "don't give up" life, there are things you must give up: 

• Some of your thinking: Is your thinking aligned with God's plans for you? Surrendering your ideas for God's plans is a superpower called humility. 

• Some of your definitions: Many people have inherited incorrect pictures of love, family, truth, and faith. Your "truth" needs to be replaced with God's truth. 

• Some of your habits: Better habits need room to grow. Take out the trash—those old habits that don't serve your destiny.

• Some of your friends: Not everyone in your life qualifies as a friend according to God's standards for your destiny.

• Many of your opinions: God gives us spiritual weapons to tear down arrogant thoughts and opinions that block us from truly knowing Him.

• Your desire to avenge yourself: Like a snake that kills itself by squeezing a saw blade, seeking revenge only hurts you. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. 

• The task of insulating people from consequences: Don't try to be the savior. Sometimes people need to experience their "pig pen" moment, like the prodigal son, before they return to God. 

• Some generational traditions: If Jesus died to get Father God's blood transferred into your life, why insist on championing your own genetic bloodline?

• The pursuit of equity: God is about justice and righteousness, not humanistic fairness substitutes. Don't chase less at the expense of more.

How Does Focus Help Us Not Give Up?

All of life responds to focus, which is the elimination of options. A 100-watt light bulb can barely light a room, but a 100-watt laser can cut through six inches of steel. You can waste your energy with minimal outcome, or focus the light God gives you to cut through obstacles.

Advancing is far more fulfilling than novelty. Great outcomes require elimination and focus. You can't do everything, be everything, and have everything when God has strategically assigned you to live life strong.

What Stops Great Vision?

How do you stop a person with great vision? Give them another vision. This creates "di-vision"—two visions pulling you apart from the inside out. The enemy can't stop you, but he works to get you to stop yourself.

What you tolerate, you can never change. As King Solomon said, "The little foxes spoil the whole vineyard." Your "don't give up" is being compromised by what you know you should give up.

How Did Abraham Demonstrate Unwavering Faith?

Romans 4:18-20 tells us: "Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations... He did not weaken in faith when he considered the utter impotence of his own body... No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God."

Abraham grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. Despite his age and his wife's barrenness, he kept praising God for delivering on the promise.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to identify what you need to give up to fully embrace God's "don't give up" promise for your life. Is it negative thinking? Harmful relationships? Destructive habits? Wrong definitions of success or happiness?

Like Abraham, start praising and glorifying God for His promises even before you see them fulfilled. When you feel discouraged, speak words of faith rather than advertising your problems.

Ask yourself: 

• What specific things am I holding onto that are hindering God's work in my life?
• How can I encourage myself in the Lord when I feel like giving up?
• Am I focusing my energy on what God has called me to do, or am I scattered across too many pursuits? 
• How can I begin to praise God for His promises even when I don't see them fulfilled yet?

Remember, God has great things for you, but it requires patient perseverance. Give up whatever is distracting you, and like Abraham, give praise and glory to God right now.