Why should I keep trying when I feel like quitting?

1 Timothy 6:11You, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:3Endure suffering along with me [Paul], as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Suffering doesn’t mean that we are doing something wrong. In fact, it often means that we are doing something right, and Satan is doing all he can to discourage us from it. That means he’s afraid—and that is good.

John 16:33“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Revelation 13:10Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.

Almost all Christians are persecuted for their faith at some point along life’s journey. In many countries, Christians suffer torture and death for following Christ. This is no surprise. Jesus promised that we would endure trials and sorrows and even worse because we are his followers. He also promised, however, that he will win in the end and share that victory with us. Endurance through suffering and ridicule is another step in our journey to eternal life, and those who endure have a special place in God’s heart.

Mark 13:13Everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Luke 9:62Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

2 Timothy 2:11-13This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

Hebrews 3:6Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

Endurance is one sign that our faith is real and growing. It reveals that we have set our hearts on Christ rather than the world’s fleeting pleasures and false promises.