“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46: 1

The seven-year-old boy boarded the bus with crutches.  When the rubber tips hit a slick spot, he fell down, embarrassed in front of his peers. As they began to laugh, the compassionate bus driver jumped up to help, but was not allowed.       

The boy’s mother, still standing in the doorway of the bus, quickly interjected. “Don’t touch him. He can do it himself.” 

As the driver sat back down, the first grader maneuvered his sticks, stood up, and found a seat.

Today, as I was having coffee with a friend, he shared this real story with me. He was that young boy many years ago. He told me this story as he was describing his approach to life and struggles.  Although he is a strong believer in Jesus Christ and knows that God is his ever-present help in times of need, he also realizes that some of the responsibility for standing on God's promises falls on him

Truthfully, I struggled with whether or not I should try to share this concept with you. I so want you to understand that God is right there whenever you struggle or fall.  When you understand this, it will set you up to experience life and joy in a new way. God is the foundation for your life and He will never leave you alone or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).

But at the same time, there are moments when you have to stand in the midst of your struggles and confidently put into practice all of the things that Christ has promised…even when you want to sit down and give up.

I have spent a good deal of time with people who want to roll over and die.  They feel that life has gotten the best of them. Their energy is gone and hope has been lost.  And rather than fight, they just want to take the easy way out.   

But that is not what life is about.  There are times when you have to will yourself to get back on the proverbial horse, to find the light of God's grace in the midst of dark circumstances or to embrace fleeting glimpses of hope as you are faced with a barrage of despair.  

God loves you.  He is capable and very willing to come to your aid whenever you fall down in life, but that does not mean that you have no responsibility. You can do all things through Christ who promises strength (Philippians 4:13). You can get up. You can overcome. You can make it.  I promise.

You can’t give up.

Do you ever feel like giving up?  If so, you are not alone. But what will set you apart is what you do with those feelings.  What are you going to do next time you are tempted to quit?  How will you find the strength to go on?  Think about it now, so when it happens you won’t be caught off guard.    

Take some time and write out five verses that give you strength and courage. You might start with Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 46:1. 

I Have A Question

Would You Pray With Me?