When you feel like giving up...
Sometimes, we all feel like giving up. It comes with the territory of living.
When stress is high and energy is low. . .
When frustrations multiply and patience ebbs. . .
When conflicts abound and peace evaporates . . .,
When the outgo exceeds the inflow. . . it makes us feel like quitting.
But throwing in the towel is seldom the answer. I have discovered that hardship, endured with patience, faith, and the best attitude you can muster, can be the catalyst for tremendous personal growth. As my old football coach used to say, “No pain, no gain.”
So, what should you do when you feel like quitting?
1. Face up to reality.
It pays to know the facts. Problems don’t usually disappear by ignoring them. A clear picture of reality – even if it’s bad – is better than an unrealistic hope. Discern between a problem and a fact of life. If you can do something about it, it’s a problem. If you can’t – it’s just a fact of life. We need to fix the problems and embrace the facts of life.
2. Reach up to God
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). There is no better place to turn in difficulty than to God.
One day, facing a hard situation, I felt like giving up, and then I sensed God’s whisper to my heart. “That’s exactly what you need to do. Give it UP. . . to Me!” If your problems are deep seated and long standing – try kneeling!
3. Fill up your tank.
Some activities drain you while others replenish you. Do you know which is which? In especially demanding seasons, make sure your energy is restored by replenishing. You will probably have to intentionally prioritize and schedule this to make sure this happens. Replenishment seldom occurs by accident.
4. Straighten up your attitude .
Don’t cave into “stinkin’ thinkin’. A bad attitude will spoil everything for you. Negativity multiplies the difficulty by ten. The best way to adjust your attitude is to begin praising the Lord and counting your blessings. It is nearly impossible to say “Praise the Lord” three times without smiling.
5. Lift up someone else.
Someone else is going through harder struggle than yours. Find that person and bring encouragement. Bringing blessing to others is like giving your dog a bath. You’ll both get soaked in the process.
Rev. Mark Wilson, Assistant Professor for Discipleship, Multiplication and Renewal
