Fighting the Good Fight
Wanting to quit when things get tough, is a common feeling that many people experience. In the tough times, quitting does seem like an easier solution than continuing on. However, in the long term, quitting might have the hardest outcome. Dr. Gary Haines gives some insight below on this subject.
Where does discouragement come from?
It's obvious that the enemy is attacking when discouragement sets in. This is one of his best tactics to defeat and destroy a Christian's faith. When this happens, we get to a place of "why try anymore," and then he wins.
Any of us who are doing our best to serve our Lord have been there at one time or another. I know that I have, "Been there, done that!" When you know that you are called by God to serve him, and you really know in your heart that this is true, then you can't quit.
Many years ago, I, too, was under severe attacks from the enemy and was very tempted to quit the ministry that God had called me to, but after much prayer and processing, I knew if I did, that I would be making a tragic mistake. If there's anything that I've learned over these 47 years of ministry is the lesson of "choices and consequences, sowing and reaping." In fact, every time I speak to my grandkids, I have them repeat after me this phrase, "I will make good choices today; I will make good choices today!" Why? Because every choice we make will...not maybe...will have consequences. Good choices, good consequences; bad choices, bad consequences! You and I both know that this is true.
Just yesterday at our church our Interim Pastor, Dr. Tim Stearman, preached a great message and quoted Winston Churchill who once said this, "Never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up!" And then we closed the service with the congregation singing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” Lyrics & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey:
Precious Lord, take my hand.
Lead me on, let me stand.
I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
The Presence of the Lord fell upon us, and we, as a church, really needed this to happen because of some recent attacks from the enemy that have been pretty discouraging, to say the very least. I guess this is what "fighting the good fight of faith is all about." I think you'll agree that it doesn't take much effort or faith to serve God when we're on a spiritual mountain top, but it's in the valleys of life, where our faith and obedience is really tested.
Making a decision is something that only you and the Holy Spirit can do. I remember many times while at NBC, and then later on in my graduate studies, that I didn't like a class (and sometimes the professor), but it was something that I needed to do, even though it was something I really didn't want to do. I accepted the fact that there were some things that I would do for the Lord, that I would have never done for myself. But, I was determined to finish what I had started....and praise God, I did! I hope that you will as well. One of my mantras in life is: quitters never win; and winners never quit."
I hope that you don't quit on what God has called you to do on His behalf. And don't forget His promise to you in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Also, Colossians 3:15 reminds us in our decision making to "let the peace of God, rule your heart." I've learned that whenever I make a decision that's pleasing to Him, there will be a real peace, and that I have His smile of approval on that respective decision. Keep this in mind as you pray and process your situation.
Dr. Gary W. Haines, NBC National Alumni Public Relations & Recruiting Representative (taken from a letter to a student)
Published: 08/26/2020
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