In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 it says, “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (NLT)
I’m never a failure until I quit, and it’s always too soon to quit. God uses tough times to test my persistence.
The difference between faithful people and unfaithful people is that unfaithful people give up at the first sign of difficulty. Faithful people keep on keeping on.
Faithful people are determined. Faithful people are diligent. Faithful people are persistent. Faithful people don’t know how to quit. A little acorn becomes an oak tree because it refuses to give up.
God uses tough times to test my persistence.
When I go through tough times, remember this verse is for me: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT).
God is more interested in what I’m becoming than what’s happening to me. He often allows trials, troubles, tribulations, and problems in life to teach me diligence, determination, and character. The problems I’m going through right now are a test of my faithfulness. The question is, will I continue to serve God even when life stinks?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
It is easy to lose heart and quit. I will face problems in my relationships and in my work that will cause me to think about giving up. Rather than quitting when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength that came from the Holy Spirit. So I should not let fatigue, pain, or criticism force me off of the job. I need to renew my commitment to serving Christ. I shouldn't forsake my eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain. My very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen me moment by moment. My troubles should not diminish my faith or disillusion me. I should realize that there is purpose in suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits: (1) They remind me of Christ's suffering for me; (2) they keep me from pride; (3) they cause me to look beyond this brief life; (4) they give me opportunities to prove my faith to others; and (5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. So I need to see my troubles as opportunities.
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