When You’re about to Give Up, Give it All You’ve Got Instead

You’ve got a loved one – might even be yourself – who is battling Covid or cancer, dementia or depression. They are sick. And they are tired. Oh, so very very tired.

And while you stand firm on the bedrock of God’s love for them and for you, the faith that rises up from that foundation feels like smoke curling up from the chimney of a mountain cabin. You know it’s there, but before you can get out a trembling word of fresh encouragement it’s disappeared, leaving you mute.

What do you say to God when you have no words?

You’re ready to give up, give in, or get the heck out of Dodge for a better frontier.

But then you open your scriptures or an email to find words from a friend (oh what a Friend!) — a message placed there centuries ago in a letter not written to you but for you.

“Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends…

So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute.” Hebrews 10:32-37 MSG

That mountain you’re facing? The one you or your kiddo or your spouse is climbing in the madness of this March? The one that’s sheer rockface with few toeholds and no sure place to grip?

Your Father is there, friend. You can’t see Him, but He never takes his eyes off you. Not for one hot minute. Not ever.

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Ps. 34:15

So when you want to give up or give in? Give it all you’ve got instead.

You’ve got this, friend, because He’s got you.

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Copyright 2021 Maggie Wallem Rowe