I’ve been a Christ follower for just over ten years now.  When I first surrendered my life to God, through faith in Jesus, a friend of mine (the fellow who led me to the Lord) kept reminding me over and over – “Shannon, you’ve got to be ‘in it to win it’.”  At first, I was like, “I know, I know.  Of course, I’m in it to win it (the good fight of faith that is).”  A bit later (not that long really), I soon discovered why my friend was constantly reminding me of this. It’s because no matter the elation of one’s present, there come times when we are tempted simply to quit – on God, on others, on goals, on ministry, on and on and on the list could go…

I’ve heard various sermons about persistence, resilience, stick-to-it-tiveness, encouragement, etc. (and I love the picture above, D’s parents have it on their refrigerator).  Also, the Scriptures are replete with evidence of God’s persistence and determination.  Yet, sometimes God even seems to draw the line. 

When I got home tonight from church, I was standing at our kitchen counter flippin’ through a book that a friend recently gave me. I haven’t read the book as of yet, but one particular story in it jumped off the pages as I skimmed through.  The story was of a young minister and his family who recently accepted a ministry position.  The couple was so excited about graduating bible school, working hard to provide for their family, ardently seeking God’s direction for their lives (as to where they were best to advance God’s Kingdom), and finally being appointed to a very promising ministry position.

Upon working there for a short while, the book said that the couple met much resistance in the ministry.  None of the exuberant hope-filled dreams with which they began seemed to come to pass.  One thing led to another, until finally, the couple was removed from their position of ministry (because they did not meet people’s expectations).  Shortly afterwards, the family gave up on God and, over a period of time, gave up on each other.  

I remember thinking (praying) while I was reading this – God, please don’t let this happen to us.  My question is, for those who are following the Lord, do you ever struggle with just giving up? When times like this come your way, what do you do?  Are there folks in your life whom you trust enough to share this?  Are there certain things which help you during “dark nights of the soul,” wherein you feel like you’ve reached bottom?  Now, of course, the standard responses might be – pray more, believe more, just be positive, etc.  And each of these definitely has its place.  But, if you will, please be a bit more specific as to what you do when faced with the temptation to quit.

For my friends, don’t worry, I’m not in this season right now.   The story in the book just brought this to mind.  And although the skies are bright and currently clear.  I’m old enough to realize that the storms are sure to come.

Blessings,

Shannon