Never Give Up!

"N" is for NEVER GIVE UP. In our text of Philippians 2:12-14, Paul tells the Christians at Philippi to live as shining stars "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." He wasn’t saying this to boast about himself, but to give God the glory for letting him be an influence in the lives of these Christians.

As we hold up the word of life to those around us, some will listen and respond and some will not. We can not give up, even when it seems that everything is against us…that no one really cares.

When do you feel like giving up?
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like, in some situations, that I am the only one that really cares about some certain thing….of course at this time I begin complaining and thinking selfishly and looking inward instead of looking outward and upward toward God. It is at these times we have to stick with the task God has given us and not give up. Other times we may feel like giving up is when we are tired and weary. At these times we should ask ourselves if we are too busy "doing" for Christ, but not taking the time to "be" with Him.

What should we do when we feel like giving up?
At times when you or I feel like quiting the race, we should become even more committed to God in prayer and study. It's easy at these rough times to begin to think selfishly about our wants and desires, when what we really need is to grow closer to God. And remember this verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.