Don’t Give Up Too Soon!
Don’t give up too soon.
It was 17 years from the time God called me to write my story to the time “The Widow Wore Pink” was finished. My literary agent pitched it to umpteen publishers. The book was rejected over and over. It felt like I was rejected over and over.
Whispers from the enemy said, “God can’t be trusted. He set you up to be disappointed.”
I could have given up with a sigh, It’s not meant to be. Or, It was never meant for publication – just family legacy, or (my personal favorite) It’s too late. You missed it.
But, God …
When it was finally in print and released for sale, I knew I’d experienced a little miracle. That book has gone places and changed lives of women I will never meet. It has opened doors for me to speak that would otherwise slam shut in my face.
Don’t give up too soon. Don’t give up short of your gift arriving, your promise being fulfilled, your healing coming to pass or your deliverance delivered.
God does not make things easy. He makes things possible.
When we come up against hard things, we need to lean into God. As we wait, He builds our character. He builds our trust in Him. He provides fresh testimonies of faith when we trust Him to deliver what we cannot manufacture.
If we never bump into anything hard, we become sloppy and soft. We’d never grow, or experience miracles, or appreciate favor balls from heaven without hard stuff in our lives.
If God was a genie in a bottle instead of our loving father in heaven, we’d never even speak to him except to make a wish. And what kind of faith does that grow?
When all seemed lost
- On the beach of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
- In the fortress of Samaria (1 Kings 6-7)
- On the 6th day marching around Jericho (Joshua 6)
- In the belly of the big fish (Jonah 1)
- On the road to Bethlehem (Ruth 1)
- The day after Jesus was crucified
Biblical heroes and heroines in the Bible were tested in their faith and their fortitude. And were rewarded abundantly.
In the waiting, pray!
Don’t let a little push back keep you from collecting on the call, or the promise, or the gift, or the healing, or the deliverance God has waiting for you. Resistance is not always God saying NO.
As you wait, pray. Pray like your life depends on it and don’t give up. Write your prayer on your heart and your bathroom mirror. Write it in your Bible and circle the verses where God has provided to others what you need in this moment.
God’s timing is perfect and his hands are full of good gifts.
What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for today that you’re tempted to give up on? Leave me a comment below and I’ll join you in prayer for it.
Prayer: Father, you know what’s best for us and when it’s time for us to get it. Help us to trust you in the waiting and the wondering. We want to stand firm on you. Lead on. In Jesus Name amen.
PS I did a Facebook live teaching on this subject that is more in depth. If you’re a listener as well as a reader, Click FBLIVE
Waiting for my nursing licensing.
Emma,
I agree in the name of Jesus that God will expedite your credentials. Amen.
Waiting for provision – job for husband, clients for both of us, our financial obligations met abundantly more than we can ask or imagine
Thank you
Lord, Rain opportunities abundantly for Pam and her man. We have witnessed your power in the hurricane Dorian. Just as you create big storms, create big provision. As they partner with you, meet their every need. In Jesus Name amen!!!!
This couldn’t of come at a better time. I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. It used to be a death sentence. I know with treatment it could be gone or not. Treatment and many surgical procedures down the road. Its terrible scary. I do have peace with this illness. I’m a caregiver for my husband. I know my kids will take care of him . We will have a family meeting after Tuesday when I will know more. Thank you for this encouraging article. I’m avoiding any negative comments/people. I want to stay positive. I’m Trusting God
Oh, Debbie, I do pray for your miracle. I pray for heavenly healing and for a long life. I pray that “procedures” are easy and recovery is quick. I pray for courage and peace to continue. I pray for your family and friends to be a blessing. I pray against negativity. I pray that as you fight this, that you experience God’s Presence and pleasure. In the mighty name of Jesus. amen
Thanks needed this shot in the arm! I want to return to Romania in April with the same group I went with last year.
But don’t know if God is saying wait, not now or trust me I will provide. I have sent out over a dozen support letters.
Not one has sent me any support (can’t go with out it). I need $750.00 by Oct 13th. or I will have to tell them maybe another time. I will need a total of 2,000.00 in all by end of year but Oct. is a must due. Which yes I would be disappointed but don’t want to go if the Lord is saying other wise. This is a limbo time and not really my forte but trust the Lord has a plan. I love Romania and had had a great experience last year. Thanks for letting me share and thanks in advance for the prayers for guidance.
Hey Deb,
I love big prayers with deadlines. 🙂
I do agree that you get the funding you need to press on. I ask the Lord to provide you the funding to go back to Romania – whether that comes through other people or a personal windfall or a strong conviction to dedicate personal resources toward the trip.
I ask for complete clarity and a big yes. Jesus, you have gobs of money. Send some to Deb for her trip. amen!
I sooooo enjoy these blogs. I love your style. Humor and well written articles. I talked with you when you visited Aetna Church probably a year ago regarding finding another man to love as I became a widow two years ago. I pray believing but it still hasn’t happened. I have so much love to give and am a very healthy active woman – I would like to share with a man. I keep patient and positive about it as I know the Lord wants the best for me. Thanks for listening.
Yes, I remember you, Ruth. I totally understand wanting to share your life with a new man. 🙂
Lord, you know how well Ruth loves. Send her Mr. Right #2 to share her life and love. Protect her from creeps and trolls and guard her heart as she waits on you. In Jesus Name amen.
Prayer for direction for future daycare children/ waiting for just the right time and right kiddos!…God has provided unique situations and children in the past/ trusting him for future ones! Also plans are in Motion for Ladies Alive!!…Have guest Speaker this year Marlene Lawson! ,prayers for our Team and her!! ,,we covet your prayers!!
Pam Boyer
Pam, I so agree with you in prayer for just the right children for the daycare.
I pray for the Ladies Alive committee and speaker and attendees to be blessed and for all the details to fall into place effortlessly.
My current job of 8.5 years is rewarding at times but so incredibly stressful. I’ve not slept well for years and gained 60 pounds. The last 2 years I’ve averaged 55 hours a week. That’s too much. I’ve tried earnestly for the last 6 months to find something. I thought I did but was turned down. Now I have a shot at another job. It doesn’t pay as much as I need to pay my bills but the benefits are wonderful. Plus I’d finally be able to be off weekends so I can go to church again and resume singing in the choir. I really want this job. Please pray that if God wants me there he will have my finances taken care of.
Brenda,
I hear the fervency in your plea and completely agree that as you trust God to change course, He will fill in the gaps and will supply your every need. In Jesus Name amen
A home of our own.
Believing for that home with you Kimberly. Lord, provide the way. amen
For the rift between my adult children and I, after my divorce from their dad, to be healed… I miss them so much my heart hurts. I want to have time with them and my grandkids.
Lord, you are the way to restoration. Lead Julie’s children back to her heart. Douse forgiveness on all. Scoop up memories of love and support from days past. Reconcile relationships Lord. amen