Don't Quitਨਮੂਨਾ

Is it ever okay to quit?

Yes.

BUT… it takes wisdom, discernment, and courage to do it well. Paul’s story in Acts 16 is instructive to help recognize that sometimes our plan and our way may not be God’s plan and God’s way. Sometimes God closes doors. And if God closes a door, the appropriate response is never to start crawling through windows. Sometimes resistance IS a sign from God that what we are doing or where we are going isn’t God’s best for us.

How do we rightly discern what we should do? It takes engaging three things:

• The Word of God
• The Spirit of God
• The People of God

God’s Word is a lamp that guides our steps. (Psalm 119:105) It is essential to be consistently, regularly immersed in Biblical truth. He guides us through the truth of his word.

God’s Spirit has been given to us to be our Counselor, to be our Guide. Holy Spirit shepherds us to the places of life and blessing.

The People of God are essential in every follower of Jesus’ life. We should all have our own Wisdom Council that we have permitted to speak into our lives.

Here’s the problem—it is rare that someone honestly and faithfully engages the Word, the Spirit, and the People of God because we can be afraid of what the answer will be. Never be afraid of the guidance and leading of God because you are precious to him and he loves you deeply. You can trust your Heavenly Father. Never give up on Jesus; he never gives up on you.

Keep Going. Don’t Quit.

Questions to Consider

• When did you quit, and was it the right thing to do? What did you learn from that experience?
• Are you primarily a Word, Spirit, or People of God person? How can you strengthen all three?

Actions to Take

• Create a consistent rhythm of engaging in Scripture, prayer, and authentic community.
• Start to form a Wisdom Council by asking two other people to hear what God is doing in your life and asking for their input.

Prayer to Make

Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, thank you that you are for me and not against me. Thank you that you are faithful to lead me into blessing and fruitfulness. Help me be faithful to you and lead me to the wise people who will help me be wise and discerning so I can remain faithful to you and your purpose for my life. Amen.