Fear Not! A Guide to Living a Fearless Lifeනියැදිය

Don’t Give Up…Don’t Ever Give Up

“For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever” (2 Corinthians 7:5-7, NIV).

If you experience harassment, conflicts and fears, you are in good company. The apostle Paul also shows us the need for comfort, comfort that comes from a trusted friend as well as from God. Thank goodness for the “But God, who comforts the downcast.” God sent Titus as an encouragement to Paul, and Paul was lifted by the news about the Corinthians’ concern for him.

Paul tells us earlier in the same letter to the Corinthian church, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV). In this life, you will face many trials. You are going to get knocked down in life and sometimes even smacked down, but you are only a failure if you fail to get up.

Thomas Edison knew something about failure, but he didn’t call it that. As the inventor of the light bulb, he said, “I haven't failed; I've found 10,000 ways that don't work.” He also said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

James tells us, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12, NKJV).

Jim Valvano led North Carolina State to a National Championship in basketball in 1983; he died 10 years later of cancer. Just eight weeks before he died, he gave an inspiring speech at the 1993 Espy’s, saying, “Don’t give up…Don’t ever give up!”

In the Starfish Story, by Loren Eiseley, there is a young man throwing starfish back into the ocean, saving their lives one by one. An older gentleman commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!” At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “I made a difference to that one!”

You can make a difference in someone’s life today! Don’t give up...don’t ever give up!

Prayer: Jesus, You have made a difference in my life. May others see that and ask what it is, and given that opportunity, may I boldly share with them what You have done in my life. When life knocks me down, may I be resilient and get back up again. Lord, show me how to make a difference in people’s lives. I will not give up; I will never give up. In Jesus name, amen.