At one time or another, we all want to quit. Our job. Our marriage. Parenting difficult children. Working on hard relationships. Following what God’s called us to do. Putting ourselves out there and risking disappointment or failure.
The other day I found myself saying to my husband, “Things would be so much easier if I could just get a job with a steady paycheck.”
In case you don’t know, ministry, speaking, writing and blogging, doesn’t always garner a paycheck. (I’m sure to many of you that’s not a surprise.) But of course many believe, “being in ministry isn’t about the money.” And although it’s not why I do it and I am beyond fortunate we don’t need my meager offerings to support our family, I still ask, would you like to work your tail off and not be paid?
I am writing from a place of real struggle. I’ve had those doubts, thinking the easier road would be to leave this lonely, isolating endeavor of writing and speaking and seasoning people’s lives – and the constant question of am I really even making a difference?- for a 9 to 5, punch the clock, paycheck producing job. I think, “I have many talents, I could earn a great living out there in the real world.”
My doubts are real. You might have them too.
If it’s not your vocation, it might be your marriage. You think if you left, there is someone better out there for you. Or if you stopped volunteering on that committee you wouldn’t have so much hassle. Or that it’s not worth it to discipline or correct your child for the 1,000th time. Or if you quit _________ (fill in the blank) you wouldn’t have to work so hard anymore.
photo courtesy of sxc.hu @ Thomas Debray
I’ve been there.
But then a day like today will come and I’ll be preparing for a message (like I’m supposed to be doing NOW!) and I am kicked in the gut by some amazing truth from God’s word.
Here’s what I heard today:
I’ve heard it before: from my husband, my friends, my family, my peers. But today I heard it from God’s word. And it was powerful.
When you are tempted to give up, which will be often, remind yourself what God has said. He is the author. He is the perfecter. He writes the Master plan. He has told you what He wants from you. Do not waver.
When, in your limited human frailty, you want to throw in the towel, remind yourself of the why. Why what you do, or if you stay, matters. Why quitting isn’t an option. Why this pursuit makes a difference in the bigger scheme, not just for today.
When you want to do less than God’s best, or take the EASY road, remind yourself what’s true. When we believe less than, we let the enemy win the day. When we read truth from God’s word, we are filled afresh with hope and resolution. Staying in our head leads to destruction. Getting out of the rut requires a fresh outpouring of truth.
Friends, we are made for so much more. Don’t let the easy path tempt you, stay true to what God has called you to.
Have you ever been tempted to quit? What helped you stay the course?