RESISTING THE PRESSURE TO QUIT

 

RESISTING THE PRESSURE TO QUIT

“..do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patient endurance inherit the promises.” Hebrews 10:12.

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10.  


We must resist the many forces that press us to quit or give up. Jesus said that in our patient endurance we possess our souls. Jacob wrestled with the angel and refused to let him go until he received the blessing. The Canaanite woman persisted in her request for Jesus to heal her daughter, even when it appeared Jesus was resisting her. Jesus marveled at her faith which was demonstrated in her perseverance, and He gave her the request for which she asked.

By contrast, Esau lost his birthright because he traded it for a mess of stew when he was faint, hungry, and tired. He was willing to trade his birthright for quick, temporary relief. Even in the matter of prayer, Jesus said, “Men, ought always to pray and not to faint (not give up or quit).

Jesus told the apostles they would receive rewards because they continued with Him through His trials. They did not give up in the hard places. I think we will be surprised at the rewards that will be given to those who simply continue and “hang on,” even while stumbling and staggering about. In Revelation 1 and 2 Jesus mentions various rewards that will be given to those who overcome.” The fact that they “overcame” indicates their path was not easy and that they had to face and be victorious through various trials, obstacles, and enemies. The apostle James exhorts us saying, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end (outcome) intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

In the issues we face, and in the trials and struggles we have to deal with we must cry out to God and stand in faith and persevere with endurance. He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He will reward our patient endurance.

We must not seek momentary relief at the cost of our inheritance. Distress is designed by the enemy to bring you to the point of fainting (exhausted and tired) so that you will either quit or choose evil. He wants you to “sell your birthright” for temporary personal relief, comfort, revenge, or pleasure.

The greatest mark of spiritual strength is not “glory clouds” and dazzling ministry, but rather endurance and perseverance. Christianity was built to stand in the fire, the storm, and in the flood. The writer of Hebrews (11:32-40) tells us of those who did great and awesome deeds by faith. They quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, subdued kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, and many such miraculous feats of strength. But he also mentions the “OTHERS” who in faith were tortured, suffered trials of cruel mockings. They were slain with the sword, sawn in two, stoned, scourged, and imprisoned. Both groups, those who conquered and those who suffered, did so in faith. We must be prepared to see great miracles of deliverance, and we must be strong in spirit to stand in the day of battle. Jesus said He will never leave us and that He will be with us always, even to the end of the world.    

Be strong in the Lord and stand fast. Don’t give up. He has promised, “My grace is sufficient for you. For My strength is made perfect in [your] weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.