Today’s Bible Verse
“We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God’s, not ours. Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (TPT)
Quitting is Not an Option
Although God has called us to live the abundant life, we all go through seasons of challenges. Jesus says in John 16:33, “…In this world you will have tribulation.,” This is a bold statement that Jesus said to His disciples. Jesus goes on and says, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He conquered the “world”, meaning the power and the strategies of the enemy (sickness, poverty, fear, the list goes on). Jesus also gave us this promise that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us (Romans 8:11).
The Apostle Paul would go through the challenges of his life, but one thing Paul did NOT do in the midst of the storm was quit or be defeated. I love how The Passion Translation puts it because it describes perfectly how our challenges in life can be. Our challenges pressure us, put us in places of uncertainty, at times we are persecuted by others, and they may knock us down in life. Yet, Paul settled in his heart that quitting was not an option.
Paul shared how he was able to press forward through his challenges. You can find that in verses 13 and 18 in the same chapter. In verse 13, it mentions that he had a “Spirit of Faith.” He kept an attitude of conquest! He kept speaking and believing in what is written rather than what is currently happening. Also, in verse 18, Paul encourages us to focus on “the things that are not seen”, which are the promises of God, because they are eternal. He also shared in verse 18 that “the things that are seen”, which are the challenges in our life, are temporary! He understood that our challenges have an expiration date and God’s promises are eternal. No matter what challenges we are in right now, or what challenges are ahead of us, let’s keep the Spirit of Faith” by focusing on the eternal Word of God.
Something to Think About
There is the law of gravity, which simply is “what goes up, must come down.” This law applies to everyone. Then there is the law of aerodynamics which simply states, “what goes up can remain there.” For example, when a plane is flying, it’s operating by the law of aerodynamics. The law of gravity still exists, but the plane is operating in a greater law that conquers the law of gravity.
Romans 8:2 says, “For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Jesus conquered sin and death on the Cross and now we can live by the Law of the Spirit of life that is filled with God’s promises for our lives. Although we face challenges in life, Jesus is always greater than all of them!
One of my leader’s dad was a diabetic. He faced challenges like every person, but their family did not quit. They kept believing for their dad’s complete healing. They kept their focus on what God promised, and as of May 18, 2020, the doctors cleared him. He is no longer diabetic (TAKE A 10-SECOND PRAISE BREAK)! Remember, our challenges are only temporary, don’t quit, continue to focus on the eternal Word of God. He is faithful to see His Word come to pass. (Walter Arguelles)
Today’s Declaration
I have the Spirit of Faith; my faith is strong and alive. I chose to focus on the eternal Word of God for my life, rather than the challenges I face. No matter how hard and tough it gets, quitting is not an option!
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Amos 5-6; Job 32
- New Testament: John 17:1-5; Revelation 7
