Hope; not Quit

Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” 

The temptation to quit is very powerful. I’ve often said that it is easier to quit than it is to “keep calm and carry on”. Unlike some other temptations, one doesn’t have to do anything. Just stop, sit down and give up. I read an thought-provoking article  lately that explains that quitting is not the end though; there are consequences attached.  That, when we quit, we stop fighting entropy (the process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder), which is always bringing chaos, disorder and decay. 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Pastor Kennedy emphasizes that we need to realize that we quit through discouragement because we lose hope – hope of success. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “hope” as: a desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety. Confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God's gracious promises; a scriptural sense. A well founded scriptural hope, is, in our Christian religion, the source of ineffable happiness. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three.” Faith looks to the past and anchors itself in the promises of God. Hope looks into the future and inevitably flows out of faith in the promises of God – that we can so all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13); that we shall reap in the future, if we do not give up hope (Galatians 6:9).

Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Having faith in the promises of God and hope for a victorious future, we are enabled to live a life of love in the present. Hope is a powerful motivating factor, and it is that which is guaranteed by God when He says “we can do all things through Christ”. Therefore, we need to take Him at His Word and believe in Him, so we don’t lose heart and give up. By God's strength, we can persevere to the end and win.

Romans 5:1-5 “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Lord, give me the strength not to lose heart and give up. Give me the ability to persevere despite the obstacles of life. Thank you that I can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Amen.