Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9)
Do you ever feel like just giving up? Like what you desire will never happen? It is hopeless?
And sometimes other well-meaning people say things to you that are actually quite discouraging. But God is still there— waiting.
Why does the journey have to be so difficult?
God permits trials for our development.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2–4)
Difficulties are an opportunity for us to lean into God’s care and strength. The more we focus on God’s abilities and commitment to us, the more our faith in him increases. And we keep moving forward. Trials are intended to strengthen our faith and increase our perseverance. With fully developed perseverance, we become all God planned for us to be in Christ.
“Never be afraid to hope—or ask for a miracle.” —Criswell Freeman
Why is perseverance so important?
Perseverance builds character and strong character produces confident hope.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3–4)
With hope, we can envision the fulfillment of God’s promises as we focus on what he has said and his trustworthy character. And the result is joy and peace.
Hope overcomes discouragement and enables us to persevere.
Sometimes our situation can seem overwhelming. We may even think it is pointless to go on. But the real problem is that we are focused on our circumstances instead of God.
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
(Psalm 43:5, NLT)
Every person on this earth will encounter times of discouragement. The only way to get out of a dark pit is to look up to God.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
(Psalm 25:3, 5)
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
God is working in you. Hold on to him as you continue your journey. He is developing your character and preparing you to be the person you need to be to accomplish the plans he has for you.