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Refusing to Quit

 


One of the devil’s tactics that he uses effectively against Christians is discouragement. He knows that if he can discourage a Christian, he can paralyze him both emotionally and spiritually. The devil has used this tactic against some of God’s strongest people.

We remember the famous story of Elijah who became greatly discouraged. He had just won a mighty victory on Mt. Carmel. Soon after, Jezebel sought his life, and he became discouraged. He prayed to God, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (1 Kings 19:4)

God gave Elijah a new job task. He assigned his successor. Then, He reminded Elijah that He was still in control (1 Kings 19:17) and that he was not alone. He said, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (vs. 18)

Think of Jeremiah. He too was ready to quit. His ministry was not popular. No one seemed to listen to the word of God. He was constantly being punished for proclaiming the truth. Despite all the conflict, Jeremiah stated, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.” (Jeremiah 20:9)

It is hard to stop one who has the fire of zeal burning deep within their heart. The apostle Paul was like this. There were times when he did not know if he was going to live or die. During these times he put his faith in God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).

Paul stated, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). These were not just mere words, but words that Paul believed in and lived by. When he knew that his death was eminent, his attitude remained unchanged. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

We all go through times of discouragement. However, we can always stoke the fire of zeal deep within us. We can view the Christian life as the greatest life a person could ever live. We can renew our focus on the goal ahead. We can renew our love for God and His holy word. We can remember that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. We can rise up and continue moving ahead when we, like many of God’s great people, refuse to quit.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks


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