It’s Too Soon to Quit

In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 it says, “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (NLT)

There is a difference between faithful people and unfaithful people. Unfaithful people give up at the first sign of difficulty. Faithful people keep on keeping on. Faithful people are determined, diligent, and persistent. They don’t know how to quit! You know how a little acorn becomes an oak tree? An oak tree is just an acorn that has refused to give up.

I don’t have it all figured out, but one thing I know is: I am never a failure until I quit, and it is always too soon to quit. God uses tough times to test my persistence.

When I go through tough times, this verse is something to hold onto: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT).

God is more interested in what I’m becoming than what’s happening to me. He often allows trials, troubles, tribulations, and problems in life to teach me diligence, determination, and character. The problem I’m going through right now is a test of my faithfulness. Will I continue to serve God, even when life stinks?

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

I shouldn’t let fatigue, pain, tough times or criticism force me off the job. Rather I need to renew my commitment to serving Christ. I can find purpose in what I'm going through. It can remind me of what Christ endured for me, keeps me from pride, causes me to look beyond this life, gives me the opportunity to prove my faith as an example to others and gives God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. I should look to see troubles as opportunities. Asking “why” is the wrong question, instead ask, "God, what's your purpose in this"? Nothing comes into my life by accident. God can bring good from every thing. The trials I encounter reveal my character, maturity, security, value and faith. God's purpose for my life will always be greater than my problems. I need to learn to trust him.