Have you ever considered giving up on something? I recall a time when I wanted to quit, only to discover that giving up was not an option.
When my son Jamil was seven years old, I took him fishing. A few clouds were visible in the sky, and at one point, I thought about giving up the idea of renting a boat. However, I decided it would be exciting to explore the marsh with my son. There are lots of fish there. To reach the marsh, we had to row down the main channel, which leads to the Rigolets. The Rigolets is a deep-water strait in Louisiana.
About a quarter of a mile down the channel, we turned into a smaller canal that took us into the marsh. The fish were biting. In a couple of hours, we filled our forty-quart ice chest with bream.
I noticed a dark cloud forming overhead. The cloud looked ominous, so I decided we should leave. As soon as I rowed the boat into the channel, heading for the boat launch, the sky opened up. It started raining cats and dogs. Suddenly, the wind picked up, making it difficult to row the boat. I rowed with all my might, but the wind was pushing me backwards towards the Rigolets. However, the idea of giving up never crossed my mind. Giving up was not an option. I had my son with me, and I would do anything to save his life.
Jesus Promised Never to Leave You
All the while, I had been praying, asking God to help me. It was a blinding rain, and I couldn’t see where I was going. Out of breath and with aching arms, I kept rowing the boat, but I was making no progress. I was on the verge of giving up when suddenly, the rain ceased and the wind stopped blowing. When I wiped the water from my face, the boat launch was fifty yards in front of us. When I saw the boat launch, I was glad that I didn’t quit.
No doubt Jesus wanted to give up on His way to the cross. When Jesus thought about you and me, He determined that giving up was not an option. He summoned strength from God. He leaned on God’s promises and continued to push forward.
Jesus said in this world, we will have problems (John 16:33). He also promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So, the next time you feel like giving up, don’t. Remember Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s promises. If you call on the Lord, He will answer you, as He answered me. Giving up is not an option.
Lord Jesus, thank You for not giving up on me. Throughout the day, I will remember your sacrifice, how you didn’t quit on your way to the cross. Thank You, for reminding me that giving up is not an option.
Thank you for reminding me to not to quit. We win when we don’t give up, even when it looks impossible.
Thanks for reading.