Have you ever felt like giving up? What did you do about it? When I was in school, it seemed like it would never end. Why didn’t I just give up? I could get a job, leave all that studying behind and live happily ever after, right? Wrong! I saw what happened to people who didn’t finish school. They regretted not getting their diploma and it affected everything they tried to do after that. They soon discovered that the job they got wasn’t enough to make their dreams come true. When promotions came, the guy with the diploma got it. They weren’t qualified for advanced training, so they were stuck in their job. I’m glad I didn’t give up!
I was able to enlist in the Air Force because I didn’t give up in school. Besides my skill training, the Air Force encouraged me to attend college classes. Again, the classes seem to go on forever, but I didn’t give up. Sticking with my studies helped me get promoted, which meant more money and better housing when I lived overseas. I hadn’t intended on making a career in the Air Force, so I gave up and returned home. I soon discovered job opportunities were limited in my small hometown and so I joined the Air Force again. After that I was determined to stay in the Air Force until retirement. I didn’t even consider giving up again, because I enjoyed the regular pay and benefits for many years and then received my retirement pay and benefits. I was selected to work for the U.S. State Department, in part, because I didn’t give up in high school and college and gained experience in the Air Force. That led to a second career that enabled me to retire at the age of 59. I’m so glad I didn’t give up!
This story makes me sound like a very goal oriented and diligent person. Shouldn’t I get the credit for not giving up and staying the course when I needed to? No, that all belongs to JESUS. When I was discouraged, He gave me courage and when I was afraid, He changed my fear into faith. Even though I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, He was with me (Psalms 23:4). I found wisdom in His WORD and truth was revealed by the HOLY SPIRIT. I didn’t give up when the going got tough because GOD never gave up on me.
There was a time in my life that I gave up and it was the best decision I ever made! I tried to please the LORD, live right and be good enough, but failed miserably! I messed up my life and owed a debt I couldn’t possibly pay when I discovered GOD had made a way! “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV) and “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8 KJV). When I heard His great love could wash my sins away, I gave up and surrendered to the love of JESUS CHRIST! I didn’t deserve His love and can never repay His favor, but I am so glad I gave up that time! What about you? Are you ready to give up?
Wayne Lance (2021) – That’s Good News to Share!