Overcoming Discouragement: Don't Give Up Too Soon

How I Overcame Discouragement and Almost Quit

Have you ever felt so discouraged that you considered quitting? Perhaps you're going through that right now, but I want to encourage you: don't give up just yet. I've been there before, and I want to share my experience with you.

My Struggle with Discouragement

It was November 6, 1986, and I had been at Bethlehem for six years. I was feeling lost and uncertain about my future. Was I under attack from Satan to abandon my post at Bethlehem? Or was this God's way of prompting me to consider another ministry?

For two years, I had been meeting for hundreds of hours on committees, planning a building program for the church. But I loathed the thought of leading the church through a building program. It was deadening to my soul. I'm a thinker, a writer, a preacher, a poet, and a songwriter. These are the avenues of love and service that bring me joy and fulfillment.

I was at a crossroads. I didn't know what to do next. I felt like I was losing my passion and my sense of purpose.

What Kept Me Going

During this time of discouragement, I turned to the Bible for comfort and guidance. I read and meditated on verses like:

• Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."


• 2 Corinthians 4:16: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."


• Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

These verses reminded me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and to press on towards the goal. They encouraged me to keep running the race, even when it's tough.

My wife, Noël, was also a source of encouragement for me during this time. She reminded me of my purpose and encouraged me to keep going. She reminded me of a quote by John Ruskin that says, "When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece."

She reminded me that building a church is a masterpiece. It's a work of love and skill. And even though the process was tough, we could do it together with God's help.

What I Learned

I learned a lot from my struggle with discouragement. Here are a few things that stood out:

1. Emotions are Unreliable Guides

During my time of discouragement, my emotions were all over the place. I felt lost, uncertain, and defeated. But I had to remind myself that emotions are not reliable guides. They can lead us astray and make us doubt ourselves and God's plan for our lives.

Instead, I had to rely on the truth of God's Word and the wisdom of trusted friends and mentors. I had to remind myself of the promises God has made to me and trust that He would see me through this tough time.

2. Don't Give Up Too Soon

I'm grateful that I didn't give up during this tough time. If I had quit, I would have missed out on the blessings and growth that came from persevering through the struggle.

It's easy to give up when things get tough, but we have to remember that God often uses trials and struggles to refine us and make us stronger. We shouldn't give up too soon and miss out on the good things God has in store for us.

3. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

During my time of discouragement, I had to remind myself to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I had to remember that He is the author and perfecter of my faith, and He would see me through this tough time.

It's easy to get distracted by our circumstances and lose sight of Jesus, but we have to remember that He is our hope and our anchor. We have to keep our eyes fixed on Him and trust that He will lead us through the storm.

Conclusion

If you're going through a tough time right now, I want to encourage you: don't give up. Emotions are not reliable guides, and God often uses trials and struggles to refine us and make us stronger.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and trust that He will see you through this tough time. Surround yourself with trusted friends and mentors, and lean on them for support and wisdom.

Remember, building a church is a masterpiece, a work of love and skill. Even though the process may be tough, you can do it together with God's help.

So don't give up too soon. Keep pressing on towards the goal, and expect a masterpiece.