When Tempted To Quit

When Tempted to Quit

We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. . . . Stand your ground. Ephesians 6:12-14

Just like Miss Mitchell, you will face things that may tempt you to quit as well. But whether it’s a job that gives you trouble, a difficult teenager, or an accounting course you’re struggling with, today’s verses encourage you not to give up. When you face even the toughest problems of life and are tempted to throw in the towel, tie a knot and hang on. Stand your ground. As the missionary did, after you have done all you can, stand!

Do you want to know the rest of the story? When Miss Mitchell took authority in the name of Christ over the five “enemies” of God’s calling for her in India and put her trust in the mighty, all-powerful God to defeat them just as he did the five enemy kings in Joshua’s day, a breakthrough came. She quickly recovered from dysentery. She found a language tutor and eventually became fluent in the language so she could communicate the gospel to the Indian people. Her homesickness fled, and God gave her love for the Indian people. A young man in the region eventually proposed, and she and her family spent many years in a fruitful, fulfilling ministry in the country God had called her to.

That doesn’t mean she didn’t encounter problems or sickness again, but she knew the One who is always present and stands ready to help in times of trouble. The circumstances of our lives may change; we may encounter spiritual attack, or the world may be in an uproar, but our position within the safety of God’s love and protection remains constant.

Do times of trouble come in the lives of saints? Most definitely. Will God be there to strengthen us and help us persevere? Yes! He has promised to do just that, and he always keeps his promises. —CHERI

Victorious Lord, in the battles of life, grant me perseverance to stand, stand firm, and never give up.

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

—DALE CARNEGIE (1888–1955), AMERICAN WRITER AND LECTURER