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“My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (NIV)

No one really wants to lose. If we’re totally honest, we’re in this journey called life to win. To capitalize on every moment. We want success in our relationships, careers and finances. To make the most of our days. To taste the sweet life and drink deep of joy. To seize every opportunity to make a difference, so what is it about today’s life that seeps with the pretend ease of quit?

Giving up appears to be the best route when the going gets tough. Letting go way too early characterizes the solution looking only for a quick relief. Yesterday’s pain reigns high and relevant influencing tomorrow’s desire to keep pressing through. We lose sight of winning because losing appears to be our only out.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we chose to stay in the hard places? To walk through difficulties hand in hand with Jesus. To choose growth and depth of character over running away. To linger in the midst of challenges clinging to His strength. To taste the delicacy of His grace and drink longingly of His truths. To resist the urge to walk away when staying speaks loud – I’m not giving up – we’re gonna win.

But then that would mean no quick fix. That would require much faith and stamina. That would mean when hope is exhausted, we trust God to be all that we need. We choose to thrive rather than just survive, and we encourage others along the way to hold tight, press on and reap the rewards found in not letting go.

Sounds a lot like a man named Job who suffered the loss of children, wealth, position and health. Yet despite the odds and advice to give up, Job didn’t quit. He just held on tighter to Jesus. And in the midst of pouring out his questions and frustrations, Job saw His creator in a whole new light.  What clarity, joy and wisdom we forfeit when we welcome quitting rather than persisting in faith.  The crowd around us may be chanting quit, but Jesus is always praying that after the enemy sifts us we will come through stronger in our faith and encourage others in our path (Luke 22:21-32).  Lessons learned are diamonds to those who are watching only if we are willing to open our hearts to share authentically the glory and power of the One who sustains us.  May we seize those opportunities to strengthen others with the truth, love and grace poured out generously on us as we press into Jesus and embrace the hard fought wins.

“Father, You desire to take us to greater heights than we could ever imagine. Teach us to be clingers, stayers and winners to never give up when the journey gets tough.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life