Don't quit. There is a big difference between quitting and changing. I believe that when God sees someone who doesn't quit, He looks down and says, "There is someone I can use."

In Galatians 6:9 (NIV) we are told, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Look at this verse carefully. It urges us not to become weary, assuring us that we will (not might) reap a harvest if we do not give up.

God doesn't quit. It is impossible for Him to do so. In Philippians 1:6 (NIV) the Apostle Paul writes about being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

There are several important points in this verse. The most crucial is the fact that God does not quit. Therefore, we can have great confidence that he will complete the good work he has begun in us. He will see us through every step of the way until we have reached our ultimate destination.

One of the best scriptural examples of a person who did not quit is Joseph. He had many reasons to justify giving up. First, when he was trapped in the pit into which his brother had thrown him because of their jealousy, I am sure he said to himself, "This is not the way I dreamed my life would work out."

Later on, he had a marvelous opportunity to become discouraged and quit when he was unjustly accused and thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit. Again he could have said to himself, "This is not right; I'm not supposed to be here."

But eventually the dream which God had given Joseph became reality. He was elevated from prisoner to prime minister in one day. Although Joseph did not know or understand the steps through which the Lord would lead him, he remained true to his God. Despite the trials and obstancles he faced, he did not quit.

There is no greater reward than that which comes as a result of holding fast to the Word and will of God. Only you can decide not to lose. Most people quit right on the verge of success. Often it is right at their fingertips. There is only one degree of difference between hot water and steam.

In Luke 18 (NIV) Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow. The Bible reveals His purpose in relating this story: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up (v.1). The psalmist tells us, Commit they way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Ps. 37:5).

The only way we can lose is to quit. That is the only decision we can make that can keep us from reaching God's goals in our lives.

Source: An Enemy Called Average by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing