There are circumstances or challenges in our life which, at some stage, will probably make us feel incredibly weary and even tempt us to quit.
This weariness and the desire to quit is especially prevalent when it looks like we might or have failed. But failure is not the end of the world, and any mistakes are proof that we are trying and hopefully learning along the way. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.”
I’ve had my share of failures and weariness, from feeling like I could have done better with our kids, other relationships, leadership and life in general. But I’ve also learnt some keys to keep going and not quitting!
1. Learn to rest, not to quit. Seek balance – work hard, but remember to have fun; rest, recharge, and prosper your soul, which means discovering what brings you joy, rest and refreshing. Downtime is vital, so we must make ourselves take some. Jesus set this example for us when He encouraged His disciples to come away from the needy crowds so they could all rest awhile. (Mark 6:31)
2. Stop looking at the problems. Jesus said there would be problems, but He also said He had overcome them. Don’t keep looking at the problem or what everyone else is doing or saying – look at Jesus and believe Him! “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
3. Stand firm –be resolute, stubborn, and tenacious, and choose to act and think about who God says you are and what you are capable of in Him. Sometimes we must dig deep into who we are and God’s strength at work in us and determine to stand firm!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” ((Philippians 4:13),
“If God is for us, who can be against us.”(Romans 8:31)
“Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
4. Choose your words – Having six babies, I know what it is to be so tired I felt physically ill. I’d say, “I’m so tired” all the time. But then God started to tell me to stop saying I’m tired all the time, and to speak instead positive, energising words.
It worked! I’ve learnt to speak only what He said about my body, situation, future, family, nation, and plan for my life. “He says, “Let the weak say they are strong” (Joel 3:10). Our bodies listen to what we say, and all of creation responds to faith-filled words.
Learn to speak the promises in God’s word because “He is watching over his word to perform it! (Jeremiah 1:12)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 13:3)
Choose friends well – when fighting weariness, it’s important to have friends who will be there alongside us, who will listen, be willing to reach out to help, pray with faith, encourage, inspire and spur us on so that we will not give up!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour, for if they fall, one will lift his companion.”(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
God is faithful and promises to give strength to the weary and help us keep going so that we will reap a harvest in due time.
“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”(Isaiah 40:20-30)
Are you feeling weary or a failure today? Then look up, rest, prosper your soul, and turn to Jesus for strength and help. Learn from your mistakes and be determined to keep going, and don’t you quit!
“Let’s do it – full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. God always keeps His Word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25 The Message Bible)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give me strength today and help me to rest but not quit. Please give me the wisdom to know what to hold onto and what to lay aside so that I can be all that you made me to be. In Jesus name Amen.