Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

NEVER GIVE UP A doctor in Missouri quit that profession to become a shipping clerk in a mid-western bookstore. Apparently, things became so difficult for him in the medical profession that he gave up and settled for something far below his capabilities. In the crucible of crisis, many men quit rather than face the difficulties. They are overwhelmed by circumstances and live the rest of their lives defeated. Paul the apostle was never like this. Pitted against the ugliness of the world, Paul preached the Gospel at all costs. Five times, he received thirty-nine lashes. He was struck with rods three times and stoned once. For one-and-a-half days, he clung to a tiny board in the churning sea after being shipwrecked. He spent many sleepless nights preaching and praying, and was rejected by some of those he counted friends. Yet Paul said eloquently: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory... (2 Corinthians 4:17). Paul would never give up! While we probably have never had to face what the famed apostle did, there are still times we feel like quitting. At these times, may we remember Paul's tenacity and endure hardness as a good soldier. Paul reminds us in another book that we will reap if we do not faint. Only he who finishes receives the reward. In our moments of discouragement, may we never lose heart. Christ indeed is in us, and these afflictions are only momentary. God is with us not merely in good times, but at all times! Lift up your heart; we have a King!