I feel led today to post a message about perseverence. I'm not sure who needs this post, or maybe if it's just for me (!) but I think we can all relate to the feeling of wanting to give up at times.
Maybe you feel that way about a relationship you're in, or a friendship that has turned one-sided, or a class in school that's kicking your booty, or a hobby you want to develop (like writing or a musical instrument or craft) but that you feel you'll never obtain success in.
Whatever it is, one fact remains absolutely true - if you quit trying, you're guaranteed to fail.
Make sense?
I thought that many times when writing, before getting published. I would freeze up over hitting send on that next submission, because I didn't know how I'd stomach ONE MORE rejection. I already had plenty to keep me company.
But that one truth kept me going - if I didn't actually send my work out there, then it was like I was rejecting myself.
Sending my work out left me vulnerable for rejection and failure, but it also left me vulnerable to the hope that THIS time could be "the time".
And guess what? One time, it was! And I got an agent. Then a book contract. Then another book contract. And now I have 8 books with more contracted to come. What would have happened if I didn't hit send that day, and just went back to bed instead? I might have gained some beauty sleep, but not much else ;)
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12 that "a hope deferred makes the heart sick." God knows how much disappointment stinks. He understands. But that doesn't give us permission to give up. It just means try again.
Whatever it is you're considering giving up, please pray about it first. Seek counsel from someone wiser than you. Read your Bible, and make sure that you're not just quitting out of fear.
Because to me, there's nothing scarier than quitting just one day too soon!
7 comments:
I needed this! Thank you so much!
Thanks Betsy. I've been feeling like that over a few things. It seems so easy to give up. In the end it's the harder though. So I keep pressing on
Such an encouraging post, Betsy, and I'm glad that it has worked out for you :)
that last line, i know how true that feels! thankyou for this post. my dilemma may be the smallest thing in the world but hey i don't need to give up. thankyou.
Thank you for this great blog, I'am so glad with it.
I needed to read that. Thank you! Your encouragement is sinking in.
Thanks for this! It never hurts to be reminded that the best way to fail is not to try; I love the quote about shooting for the moon because you'll *at least* land among the stars!
However, I want point out that in deciding whether to quit, it's important to be honest about things that are hurting us. I'm mostly speaking about relationships in which we keeping having hope that we can radically change someone, or when someone needs more help than we can give them, but by trying and not referring them we're actually hurting them.
Anyway, food for thought. The best advice is of course, and as you said, to abide in God and listen closely to His perfect instruction.
Post a Comment