"Don’t ever give up because you never know what blessing is right around the corner."
I shared in the bible study that I've been married for 11 years, and the roughest years were at the beginning. When things got rough..I always wanted to quit. I always wanted out. I was always crying out to God… "Why?"
And He always said, "just stand."
The bible says, in Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV) Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm
So that's what I did...STAND! And I'm so glad I did! I can honestly say I have the best husband! And I have been blessed by God in so many ways because I chose to stand. But what if I would of gave up? What if I would of gave in to what the world says to do and just give up?
I would of missed out on all the blessings God had for me. Including the bible study on MomTV. If I would of left my marriage I wouldn’t be serving God today. I wouldn’t be sharing with you today on this blog!
And that’s why I wanted to encourage you to never give up! It's not just about marriage, its about your relationship with God, its about your job, your friendships, your kids. NEVER GIVE UP!
Did you know that?
Albert Einstein did not speak until he was four years old and didn’t read until he was seven. His teacher described him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams.”
But he never gave up!
Babe Ruth, considered by sports historians to be the greatest athlete of all time and famous for setting the home run record, but did you also know that he held the record for the most strikeouts in a career at his time? 1330 strikeouts!
He never gave up!
Colonel Sanders had the construction of a new road put him out of business in 1967. He went to over 1,000 places trying to sell his chicken recipe before he found a buyer interested in his 11 herbs and spices. Seven years later, at the age of 75, Colonel Sanders sold his fried chicken company for a finger-lickin' $15 million!
All 3 of them could have given up! But they didn't!
You know the bible says …in Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We can all agree that our enemy does not want us to receive all that God has for us so he will try to distract us, he will try to get us to quit! He wants to make us.. be afraid.
Did you know that the bible has so many scriptures with the words Do not be afraid or do not fear? I read somewhere that the words "do not fear" are actually found more often in the bible than the "command to love."
But I have to remind you that so many times in the bible when it says "do not fear", it is followed by..."the Lord is with you" I don’t know about you but that comforts me.
The story of Joshua is a good example: Joshua 1:8-9
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Did you know that Joshua was assuming an awesome responsibility of 2 and a half million people? That’s a big responsibility! But the Lord gave him the key to success...meditating on Gods word.
So what do we do? 1)We meditate on his word, 2)stand on his promises, and 3)allow Him to lead us…
Here are some good scriptures to meditate on.
Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
"The Lord is my shepherd, whom shall I fear?" - Psalm 23:1
Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
1 John 4:4 because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
I heard someone quoting Psalm 23 the other day and it reminded me of Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
I love that He goes before me...the comfort to know that He has already been here.
Psalm 23 is actually a great scripture to meditate on!
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
He knows where He is leading you..He has already gone before you..He knows what dark valley you have to go through..and most of all He knows you can make it!
A lot of the time we just get tired, that's when you meditate on His words and get refreshed and get back in there!
Galatians 6:9 (Message) So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.
Let's end with...Ephesians 6:13-18 (Message) Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
So not only do we allow God to lead us, but we pray, we use His word and we lift each other up, Facebook is a great place to do that! I get so excited in the morning when I look through my news feed and see so many people quoting the word of God to encourage each other.
We need God and we need each other to remind each other to never give up! God has something very special for each and everyone of you! And I pray this bible study has encouraged you to never give up and remember that God is with us!
If you are interested in seeing the recorded version of this study, please enjoy!
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