Don’t Give Up
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Do you feel discouraged some days? Things are not going well for you? Oh, I feel like that some days. The past 5 or 6 years have been like a roller-coaster ride for me. Some days on the mountain top, others in the bottom of the deepest valley.
Crushed dreams, empty nest, the body is aging faster than my brain…you name it. I think that one of the hardest things was, that I could not be there for my sister when her marriage broke up. The only thing that has kept me going over the years is that I know that my Redeemer is there for me. He sees me through the valleys to bring me back to the mountain top…
Every year, through the time of Lent, I read a book that chronicles Christ’s journey to the cross. What really stuck with me this year is that Christ, was agonizing at one point (see Luke 22:44). When Christ went up to the Mount
of Olives, He prayed the following words:
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ~ Luke 22:42 (ESV)
But even in His distress, He was not alone, because in the very next verse we read:
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.” ~ Luke 22:43 (ESV)
Did you read this? God sent angels to strengthen Him…Christ knew what had to be done in order to redeem God’s people – He needed to be separated from God. I believe that this is what Christ was agonizing the most over – separation from God. Christ trusted God to see Him through this separation though.
You see, we don’t have to fear this separation from God. Even through the really rough days, we know that He is there. His love, His strength will see us through until live everlasting.
Let me share a quote by R. Kent Hughes, from the book “Jesus keep my near Cross” (compiled by Nancy Guthrie):
‘Gethsemane was not a tragedy, and neither are our Gethsemanes. This does not do away with the wound of affliction in this life, but it is encouraging to see that behind human tragedy stands the benevolent and wise purpose of the Lord of human history. Life may be dark at times, tragedy may come, and at times the whole world may seem to be falling apart. The wheel may appear ready to crush us. But this is not the end…’
Lord of Heaven and Earth. You sent your Son do die for our sins, You never promised that life this side of Heaven will be easy. However, You promised that You will always be with us. That you will cheer us on, give us strength, give us courage. We are trusting that You will see us through the end of days, until life everlasting. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen…
Beautifully encouraging words! “But this is not the end….”….love that! Praise the Lord!
Iris, I needed this word this morning. I have been discouraged this week in a big way! Isn’t it amazing the depth of Gods love and concern for us that He has already sent angels to have charge over us and our situation. How comforting to know that we are surrounded by His Glory! -love, Laurie
Iris,
Such wonderful Truth. I talked about Hope today on my blog; goes hand in hand with what you are saying. He will never leave or forsake us! Awesome!
It’s good to hear words of encouragement like this, Iris. There are days when I become discouraged and then I remember that God is sovereign and in control He is with me.
Always a good reminder at this time of the year!
May God pour His sweet blessings all over you my friend, love you.
I needed this today! I have been struggling with my teen and to hear that God never gives up on me is encouraging. Thanks
Thank you for the uplifting post. I’m trying to know that Jesus is with me, helping me. And life is hard. Allison
Iris thank you so much for this encouraging post. It’s exactly what I needed to read today.
Oh, how we all need to be reminded not to quit. Thanks.
Oh I love this. Great quote!!