Don’t give up!
Are you bogged down with life, struggling with Christian living. Perhaps you feel like it’s more hassle than it’s worth?
You’re not alone!
Perhaps you thought when you became a believer that your life would be easier, better, calmer and you’re problems would disapear?
Unfortuanately, it tends to be the opposite. Why?
Put it this way, the enemy, Satan had you in his camp before you accepted Jesus as your saviour. Now though you are in God’s camp. Satan does not want you there, he wants you back with him and destined for the same place as he is when you leave this earth. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true.
The thing is though, you have so much to live for. You may not agree with me right now, if that’s the case, please do read on.
Perhaps you have a sickness that you’ve suffered with for so long, perhaps you are so lonely you believe no one loves you, perhaps life has been one thing after another, or perhaps you’re simply exhausted with fighting this battle between good and evil.Â
Please persevere! There is so much more for you!
Persevere, persistence and the prize!
In the Bible, Paul continuously reminds us that we need to have a purpose and a plan. This is because the enemy will attack and you will go through difficulties and struggles.Â
But, remember, God had promised you a prize of eternal life in Heaven with Him.
Don't Give Up; You have a Heavenly Prize!
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:12-14)
Forget the past hurts and pain, give them to Jesus- He will take them from you. Press on to reach the end of the race here on earth. We can be prone fo focus on the past and negatives in life Instead of the why questions ask God, “what are you teaching me here?” Then let Him help you become more life Him- perfect. It can be a matter of changing your focus and mindset around towards God and all He has for you. You get to choose how to respond and you get to choose what you think about. Discover more in ‘Changing Focus.’
Don't Give Up; You have Eternal Life!
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
(Galatians 6:7-10)
Don’t get tired of doing good, do good to everyone, even yourself and don’t give up. Break those habits that are holding you back from the fullness; love, joy and peace that God has for you. Live to please the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and you will have everlasting life.
Don't Give Up- You Will Be Crowned
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(1 corinthians 9:24-27)
Discipline yourself, train to run the race of life. What do you need to get you where you want to go? What can you do today?
Run with purpose in every step, run to get the prize, the crown. Don’t give up!
Relevant Reading: Embracing Your Purpose & How to Finish Strong.
Don't Give Up; Stand Against the Enemy
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
(Ephesians 6:10-20)
In God’s camp He will equip His children, you, with everything you need. You now just need to use it. He has given you His armour so you CAN resist the devil. So put each piece on, every single single day. And be sure to pray for and on every occasion, situation, decision, problem. God wants a relationship with you and prayer is the key to that.
COMING SOON!
Battle Strategies for Spiritual Warfare
Don't Give Up; You Will Live & Rein With Christ
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
(2 Timothy 2:1-13)
You will live and rein with Christ and He will be forever faithful to His word and His promises to you.
You will endure all kinds of suffering as Gods soldier.
We have the armour, now we are to behave like we are His soldier. We do this by;
- Following His rules; like an athlete does in order to win.
- Working hard for Him; like a farmer would to reap his harvest and to not get caught up in the worlds ways.
Keep firm in your faith even when it’s being tested.
Learn these points, apply them to your life and humbly teach others to do the same.
Do you have any testimonies from you life where you wanted to give up but with Gods help managed to push through and stay strong? Do share on the comments below. It may just encourage and give hope to a fellow brother or sister.
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