Don’t Quit
The last few months have been especially challenging for me. I found myself feeling lackluster when I woke up every morning. I felt uncertain about what my next steps should look like as I navigate this new season in life. (I am still figuring it out but I was beginning to feel stuck.)
One day, when I had come to the end myself, I decided to have a very honest conversation with the Lord. I said things I had never said out loud – EVER. I poured my heart out to Him, as He promises to be a safe space for us. (ref Psalm 62:8).
I confessed I didn’t have any fight left in me. I was tired. I was weary. I just wanted to give up. In some ways, I already had. After I released everything in my heart, I was quiet. I was waiting to hear His response.
He said two words, “Don’t Quit.” I began weeping. I felt heard. I felt seen. I felt understood. Let this be a reminder to you that God does care about the concerns of your heart (ref 1 Peter 5:7).
Back to God’s response, “Don’t quit.” While this can be perceived as a common phrase, I felt so much weight on those two words. So much wisdom and clarity. Here are some of my takeaways from this encounter that I believe can help us when we feel like giving up.
Don’t quit walking with God: I know this may sound simplistic, however, it is of the utmost importance. In our moments of weakness, uncertainty, weariness, etc., we have two options: lean into God or lean into the “things” that bring us temporary comfort.
Our decision to stay on this narrow path with Him cannot be based on our feelings, but rather based on our commitment to Him. One prayer I have prayed A LOT has been, “Lord, help me.” Sometimes I expound and sometimes that is all I have. At the end of the day, it is our relationship with Him that will sustain us, revive us, strengthen us, and heal us.
Don’t quit believing God: Whew, this one right here! If we are honest, some of the angst in our hearts is tied to unmet expectations. We thought things would unfold in a certain way and they haven’t. We thought we would be in a certain place and we are not. God made a promise to us about our lives that we are hoping for and it has not come to pass just yet.
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I prayed with all my heart she would be healed. Then she passed. I was devastated. My belief in God - shattered. “But God, Your word says You are a Healer!” It wasn’t until years later that I realized He did heal her. I believe He healed her heart. Before she left this Earth, she encountered Jesus in a real way and rededicated her life to Him. While it did not play out how I hoped, God honored His Word and I am truly thankful.
The message today is clear: Don’t Quit! Life can be difficult at times but we are not alone. God is with us and is “a very present help in trouble.” (ref Psalm 46:1). In these moments dear one, it is all the more imperative to stay connected to community. Don’t isolate. Don’t close yourself off. There were times I wanted to do just that but I pushed past my feelings. I showed up in safe community spaces and God used the people around me to help me. His answers to my prayers came in the form of people. People loving me, people listening to me, and people praying for me. Now let me pray for you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you Lord for this dear one. I pray you will strengthen them where they are weak. Reveal any area in their heart’s where unmet expectations has caused them pain or disappointment. Speak to their heart concerning that matter. Give them ears to hear Your voice clearly. Remind them that You are with them and You are for them. Give them grace to continue walking with You daily and believing You completely. Thank you for Your faithfulness and kindness towards this precious one. Touch their heart in a way only You can. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Until Next Time,
Live Audaciously!
Kay Naomi
PS. If you have something specific you would like me to pray for, click the “Need Prayer?” tab and drop your prayer request.