These words, “I quit” and “I give up” are very common expressions that many utter when there’s a feeling of hopelessness and despair. But is this the only recourse when we are confronted with such feelings? Dale Carnegie states, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”(ESV)
When you feel like quitting and giving up, remember this simple story: “One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four. "Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. "Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. "Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned, "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.”
Here’s the lesson to learn from this conversation: Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life. By having this point of view, it allows us to see it in a different light. It does make sense when you come to think about it, no two problems are the same. They have their own purpose to build us up or to pull us down. How we see them makes a huge difference. It’s either they are stepping stones or stumbling blocks. You need to make a choice of what to make of it!
The most important to know is that God is always with us no matter what and we need Him whether we admit it or not. When things do not make sense, just ask Him before you make any final decision whatsoever. It is always easy to give up. But know that you will always come back to it anyway. Giving up is just like pressing the “pause button” and it is still there. Unlike computers, there is no “escape button” when things go wrong. Therefore, keep looking at our circumstances from God’s perspective and it will aid us to appreciate that while there is dark cloud hanging above us, just continue to see through it because God is on the other side with His hands to help us.
Let’s talk again!