Romans 8:28 NLT - And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Everyone feels like quitting at some point. People feel like quitting on their job, their church, their dreams, their commitment to God, and even their families. The desire of wanting to throw your hands up and scream "I quit" isn't an original thought... nor is it uncommon. Even good people want to give up. However, I have discovered through the Word of God that true champions never quit... even when they are faced with disappointment, disaster, or almost certain death.
I cannot imagine what was going through the mind of young Joseph as he stood in the pit and heard his own brothers negotiating the price of his life with the Ishmaelite slave traders. As Joseph was establishing his new life as a slave in Egypt and experiencing success, his owner's wife lies about Joseph trying to rape her (Genesis 39). While he was in jail for this false accusation, Joseph meets the cupbearer for Pharaoh, interprets his dream, and is totally confident that his request for the cupbearer to help him get out of jail will be granted. Instead he is forgotten and disappointed again (Genesis 40). But through all the bad days and reoccurring disappointments and let downs... Joseph eventually rises to the top (Genesis 41). Champions never quit. And because he did not quit, God used him to save his entire family during the famine.
You may have faced serious disappointments in your life. People have sold you out for a good laugh at your expense. Your boss promised but never delivered. Your parents decided to go their separate ways. You knew that you were next in line for a promotion, but instead you got laid off. You were confident that you passed the last test only to discover that you weren't even close. And today your journey through life feels like one disappointment after another... you are not alone. Joseph faced many difficult moments, but he overcame it all because he never quit! Don't let the disappointments of life cause you to stop moving forward. Walk through the dark valley. Crawl through the mud. Limp down the road. But whatever you do, don't stop!
1. Have you ever been unfairly accused? Did it make you want to quit? What made you keep going?
2. How can you ensure that you will never quit? What steps do you take everyday to make quitting not an option?
3. Write out the reasons that you want to keep going and pray that God will empower your decision to not quit.
4. Write Romans 8:28 on a notecard and put it on your mirror. Determine that you will memorize and internalize it this week.