don’t be a quitter…
I am amazed how God can encourage and prod us to keep running the race! Paul writing to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 8 describes the churches in Macedonia: “that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality…”
Here’s what we know about the Macedonians from this text…
1.) they were suffering “great” ordeal of affliction–the NLT says that “they were tested by many troubles”
2.) they were in “deep” poverty–what they had was “they were poor…”
3.) they had abundant joy–they weren’t singing the old He Haw song (remember that song…poor, despair, and agony on me…)
4.) they overflowed in the “wealth” of liberality–in other words, they were not stingy!
Of all people, it would be easy for us to understand the Macedonians would quit and give up! Here they are poor and suffering great ordeal of affliction! Yet, their response is that of abundant joy and an overflowing wealth in liberality! Wow! Their circumstances produced a different attitude, an overcoming spirit!
So many of us understand the pressures and trials of life. In today’s economy, job loss is inevitable for many of us! Trials come in different forms and faces! We are pressed on every side! It is easy to give up and throw in the towel! We can all commensurate and cry moans of despair and negativism! But what does that mean?
Rev 20 says this, “6Then He said to me, It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7“He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
John clearly writes that those who occupy the New Jerusalem, whose names are written in the book of life are OVERCOMERS!
I translate that to mean that they are not quitters…they didn’t give up, but overcame! Can you identify yourself with the church in Macedonia? Are you tested by many troubles? If so, then I have good news for you! The Macedonians didn’t quit! They overcame! And so can you!
Don’t be a quitter!
6 Responses Leave a comment
Amen, Amen Pastor Fel! GOD don’t quit on us, we need 2 praise HIM by not quitting. Thanx, holla.
GOD IS SO AWESOME!
Seems to me they had already settled it in there hearts. You can’t make those kinds of decisions in those circumstances unless you get to know someone.
Deeply, Intimately which results in falling in Love. They knew without a doubt that they loved God and quitting was not an option. What may have appeared outwardly, to the world as less than and a lack of. Was not what was going on in the inside.
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
They exercised faith and they diligently sought after the Lord and not the rewards. Which utimately they were given rewards anyway. There’s nothing like experienceing peace & joy in the midst of trials & tribulation & recession.
It still hurts but there is comfort beyond what can be explained because I know that he’s here.
Fel,
I won’t if you don’t -
There needs to be a monthly gathering (in the sun) for any or all of us that refuse to quit. (maybe the ag would pay for it) haha.
Thanks for the great blog bro.
It seems as though the Spirit is giving this same theme of not quitting to several writers…this recurring message is coming through loud and clear–We cannot quit! Don’t quit! Finish the race!
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying!
Quiters NEVER win, and winners NEVER quit!