We all have goals, dreams, and achievements that we meticulously plan out in our lifetime. Each new year, resolutions are made, and we get fired up to do new things.

But how often do we quit, sometimes before we ever get started? How often do we let pushback distract us and diminish our drive or the fire God placed inside us?

My challenge to you today …

DO. NOT. QUIT.

If I asked you, “What are you in danger of quitting,” how would you answer?

“Nothing!” OR

“I already quit.” OR

“I’m just so tired; I can’t keep going.”

This video of Heather Dorniden, now Kampf, is a highly decorated runner with an impressive string of accomplishments.

As you see in this video, what’s most impressive was the moment she won first place 
in the 600-meter dash—after falling flat on her face. Now that is what we call making a comeback.

Often, we can be discouraged because we can’t see the results. We expect things to happen quickly and on our terms, but God doesn’t always move quickly. He’s strategic according to the purpose He has for each of us. Whatever the Lord has put in front of you, don’t back down. Keep moving forward, keeping doing the great work.

DO. NOT. QUIT.

Let’s see how Nehemiah responded.

Nehemiah 6:3 “And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

We see Nehemiah refusing to come down, refusing to give up. He had enemies looking to distract him and cause him harm, but he knew he wouldn’t leave. He was not going to let any pushback get in his way.

In the same way, you and I have a great work, a divine purpose, a God anointing. When we operate under the will God has for our life, we live under the safety and shelter of His wings. He will strengthen us, give us power through Him, and a firm foundation in Him to be able to press in and press on no matter the circumstances.  

No matter how many times you fall, the obstacles get in your way, or the people intentionally work against you, keep getting back up. Push back is inevitable, but in the words of Winston Churchhill, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

DO. NOT. QUIT.

God placed the dream or purpose in your heart for a reason, which means something to Him. So, it should mean something to you too! Quitting shouldn’t be an option.

I love this quote by William Clubertson, “It is important to start right, but it is imperative to end well.” This Clubertson quote models God’s character in excellence and parallels Colossians 3:23-24 beautifully. God calls us into excellence, working heartily for him and not men. When we push on, even against resistance, we are serving Him in excellence. 

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 

God has given us the Holy Spirit, so we have the strength to endure, but we have to access it daily. We are made strong in Him, and as we work in excellence, we bring glory to God.

But the inheritance in Colossians is our reward too. At the end of your life, all the people who pushed back and distracted you, where will they be? Who’s opinion really matters here? Let’s stay focused on what’s important.

DO. NOT. QUIT.

We know that perspective is everything. This picture of a sumo wrestler and a kid can represent both sides of resistance with a slight change of perspective.

Without God, our problems and pushbacks feel as big and robust as the sumo wrestler.  

BUT with God … we are the sumo wrestler, and our pushbacks are feeling the resistance of His power when trying to push against us! 

This is such a great visual as we look at our obstacles and realize we have the power through Christ to stand firm as people and circumstances push against us.

Let’s be inspired today by Nehemiah. Let’s look at everything in our lives God asks us to do as “great work” for Him and settle in our hearts and minds; we won’t be coming down, we won’t give up. NO MATTER WHAT! Be encouraged, get back up, keep fighting and watch our BIG GOD redeem the time lost and make all things excellent when you’re doing it for Him!

DO. NOT. QUIT.

LIFE APPLICATION: If this is something you’ve struggled with, let’s get a pen and paper.
Write down the work God has asked you to do, but you have lost hope or vision before completing it. I encourage you to spend some time in prayer with Him and ask Him to reignite your fire and passion. Ask Him for big God ideas and let Him cast vision in your heart today.