It’s Never Time to Quit

A man was shoveling snow from his driveway when two boys carrying snow shovels approached him. One asked, “Can we shovel your snow mister? Only two dollars!” Puzzled the man replied, “Can’t you see I’m doing it myself.” The young man replied, “Sure, that’s why we asked. We get most of our business from people who are half through and feel like quitting.”

I think it’s safe to say all of us have felt the same way. We want to quit before God is finished.

The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)

But Paul didn’t feel like this when he first arrived in Corinth. Instead He was afraid. He said, “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3 NKJV), and “we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 1:8b NKJV)

Paul had good reasons for being discouraged seeing what he had gone through in His ministry: slandered by his own, five times whipped, twice beaten, stoned, dragged before magistrates, unjustly imprisoned, nights without sleep, hungry and thirsty.

Yet he never waivered saying, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13 NIV)

Maybe today you have good reasons for being discouraged. But remember the promise God made to Paul, and a promise He makes to us.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a NKJV)

It was because of this promise Paul could overcome his discouragement and say,

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (1 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)

So don’t give up. Keep on keeping on; because it’s never a good time to quit.