Four Reasons Not to Give Up

In 2 Corinthians 4:18 it says, “We don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.” (NLT)

If my focus is shortsighted—where I’m only thinking about my current difficulties or pain—then it’s only natural to want to give up.

But if I begin to look at things from an eternal perspective, then I’ll be able to keep going, no matter what happens.

“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! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT).

This passage gives me four reasons to stay strong emotionally and never give up:

First, I am to never give up, because “our [my] spirits are being renewed every day.” I wouldn’t dream of going a whole week without food, but some people don’t even open their Bibles for an entire week. That’s depriving the soul of the most essential nourishment it needs! To renew my spirit, then get into God’s Word every day.

Second, I am to never give up, because “our [my] present troubles are small and won’t last very long.” Problems don’t come to stay; they come to pass. Even if I have problems that last my entire life, it would be miniscule compared to the trillions of years I’m going to experience in heaven. I should learn that problems on earth are temporary and that God has long-range plans for me.

Thirdly, I am to never give up, because my problems will “produce for us [me] a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” God is using everything in my life—even the hard stuff—to build my character for eternity. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).

Lastly, I am to never give up, because I am to “fix our [my] gaze on things that cannot be seen.” When I’m focused on things that last forever, I’m able to finish the race because I have long-term thinking. My attention is fixed on eternity. 

So, I need to consider what I’m focused on today? Instead of looking at my problems, start looking at Jesus again. And don’t give up!

In short, I need to learn to see troubles as opportunities. There is purpose in my suffering. The ultimate hope is that this life is not all there is. Knowing that I will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help me live above the pain I face in this life.

I shouldn’t just look at what’s going on right now. I need to focus on the eternal. Difficulties don’t last. But hope in God will. No matter what my circumstances are, they are temporary. No problem comes to stay in my life. It will pass. Even if it is a lifelong chronic problem, because I won’t take it into eternity. So don’t shuffle along, absorbed with the things right in front of me. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ, that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective” My hope in Christ will become a hope fulfilled.