Are you losing faith and hope that the goal you’re working towards will never (ever) come to fruition? Have you been sticking to a regime, or discipline but you still haven’t seen any results, rewards, or change? It can be SO hard not to give up, even when you feel you’re called, gifted and equipped to the task/goal at hand. You’ve been sacrificing your time, energy and money for months, years (and sometimes a decade!) and you’re still not where you thought you’d be in this moment.

I’ll say it now, because I wish I someone (anyone!) would reassure me daily: Don’t give up! We usually only hear that gnawing, menacing voice of doubt and insecurity telling us to quit while we’re ahead. Just call it. Don’t you want to Netflix binge and just relax instead of wasting your time on a pipedream?

Don’t give in to defeat. Meditate on these six truths when you feel like you’re about to crack:

If You Give Up Now, You’ll Always Wonder, What If?

Let’s just say you’re an entrepreneur, trying to develop your business for two years now, reassuring your spouse that momentum will pick up. And you have a side hustle. And you hate it. It can b disheartening, and quite humbling to give it your all, and still not see the fruits of your labor. But what’s the alternative? Give up and always wonder if your biz would have taken off in a year or two? Or quit the ministry you had such passion and conviction for? This is the only life we have. When we’re old, shriveled ladies, don’t we want to look back on our lives, knowing at the very least, we honored our dreams by trying as hard as we could, without holding back to get there?

Obstacles Are Normal

Most successful people will share they’ve had times of defeat, disappointment and stagnancy, and every one of them faced temptation to quit (here’s a list!). I always think of J. K. Rowling facing continuous rejections by publishers before selling her Harry Potter manuscript and eventually becoming one of the wealthiest authors ever to live. She was a broke, depressed, divorced single mother simultaneously writing a novel while studying…anyone relate?  You owe it to yourself-your callings, your dreams, your talents and giftings- to see it through. One day at a time.

Sometimes It’s Just About Timing

Say you’re trying to make a name for yourself in the art world. Or you’ve been trying to build up your side hustle as a web developer. Or you’ve started your own non-profit, and things just aren’t picking up like you thought they would. Keep going. There are unknown opportunities, circumstances and open doors ahead… all we just have to do is keep at it. There could literally be an amazing opportunity around the corner. Better real estate, a better contract, better connections… we just have to trust in God’s timing, and do our do part to move forward in faith and positivity. Espresso helps.

Take a Short, Intentional Breaks

Sometimes when working hard on a project or goal for so long, we can get caught up in the weeds and let the stress and disappointments overshadow our motivation and inspiration. Hard work with little results can lead to burn out, if we don’t replenish our hope and inspiration. Every few months or so, schedule a day where instead of working, sit back and review your overall plan. Analyze (and appreciate!) how far you’ve come and meditate on your long and short term plans. Make sure you’re allocating the right amount of energy to the appropriate areas of your business, strategy or ministry and take time to envision what your journey should look like through the upcoming quarter or so. Pray for direction, affirmation, wisdom, and a fresh wind of inspiration. This really lifts our spirits, providing  new direction when needed, and most importantly, a welcome dose of motivation. I recommend culminating this exercise with some good champagne.

God Never Gives Up

The most important truth to remember when being tempted to quit, is that God simply never gives up. He’s always working for our good, always there to provide strength and guidance (remember to ask him!) and he never, ever gets discouraged by our setbacks, failures or snail-like pace. He’s rooting for us, and his plans for our good are unstoppable. Whether you’re working towards a diet/fitness regime, or trying to re-build your marriage, He won’t give up on your efforts, so don’t let the enemy convince you of otherwise!

Meditate on these 4 Amazing Scriptures About Giving up

These are the best I’ve found. I’ve printed a few out and taped ‘em to my laptop over the years. Meditate on these truths, repeatedly (daily, even) to combat those quitting feelings.

1. Do not grow weary.
   “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
   ~Galatians 6:9

    2.  Do not Lose Heart
Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
~Hebrews 12:3

    3. Lean on His Strength
We can do all things through Christ! I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:1

    4. Keep pressing on!
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 3:14

One of my favorite quotes about giving up is this:
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”-J.K. Rowling

So true, right? If you have a goal or a dream, remove the concept of quitting from your mind, period. The only questions that remains is how long it will take to succeed. Amen!  xo

For more inspiration, check out, “4 Reasons to Trust God’s Timing.”

These two sermons have helped me tremendously when struggling with impatience/defeat:

Joyce Meyer: “Never Give Up”

Priscilla Shirer: “When it Feels Like God is Doing Nothing.”