Never Give Up!

This past week has been quite a ride. I have fought through such a spiritual warfare that I completely forgot to send out last week's email. But that's the nature of the Christian journey. He never promised that it would be a walk in the park. As a matter of fact, He clearly told us that we would endure many trials and persecution (cf. John 15:18-21; 16:33). The funny thing about Jesus' warning is that he commanded that we be joyful through them all! You may be thinking, "why should I be joyful?" Well the reason is simple, because after the trial, we will be stronger, happier, more patient, and blessed.

Paul tells us this in his letter to the Galatian Church. If we can just endure the tests, trials, and tribulation... If we can keep from growing weary... If we can just continue to do the right things...we will reap a harvest! The problem is that many of us quit right before our breakthrough.

Well, I want to encourage you today, from the trenches...NEVER GIVE UP! I don't care how hard it may seem, how far it may look, or how long it may take, NEVER GIVE UP! When you feel like you can't take another step, CRAWL, when it seems as if everyone has turned their backs, CRY OUT, and when you feel like you're going to faint, REACH UP! Sometimes in order to do this, you may have to change the crowd you're with. You may also have to change some of the things you do, or the places you go, but just remember your end result will always be victory...if you NEVER GIVE UP!

"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)