If you are making an effort to achieve something, eventually you will reap a reward. This is one of the teachings from the Word of God. Over and over again we are encouraged to "keep on keepin’ on," to not give up, to go the second mile. I wonder if there are times, though, we want to give up. We may say, "what’s the use? I’ve tried for years to achieve ____ and just can’t do it." I’m sure we have either spoken or at least heard these words spoken.

When a football team is losing, it’s easy to get down. Every week the other team has more points at the end of the game and perhaps when the losing continues, you give up. When this happens you have let your team down and you will not do your best.

I believe in our Christian life we can get to this point also. It may be we have been battling a certain sin, trying to quit but continuing anyway. We may get upset with ourselves that we have not had the success we desire. Some just give up and commit the sin assuming we will anyway. Years ago I had a friend who had this idea. He said, "I can’t quit so I’m just going to do it and enjoy it." We should never have this attitude.

Listen to what the Holy Spirit has told us through the inspired men who penned His Words. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13) "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal. 6:9) "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience shall inherit the promises." (Heb. 6:11-12) "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." (Rom 8:37)

There are many more passages, but I believe these should help us to remember we are not to give up. We are to be conquerors! God has given us all we need; now we need to be faithful. Is there a problem you’re having at the moment? Are you ready to just give up? Are you about to quit the Lord and His righteous way of living? Paul said, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:58) Alone we can’t...with God we can. Don’t give up.