Someone said we should never use the words ‘give’ and ‘up’ together. Yet, I doubt few people ever go through life without saying, “I give up,” or at least thinking about giving up. After I presented my doctoral dissertation and defended it, the committee of review approved it; however, they required me to reconfigure several chapters. It proved a huge challenge with a computer from the 80’s. I finally became so frustrated I threw it in the trash shouting, “I give up!” Of course, my wife heard me, rushed in, removed it from the trashcan, laid it on my desk, and said, “Get to work. I’ve got too much invested in this and you’re not giving up.” This wasn’t the only time I’ve given up, but if not my wife, the Holy Spirit put whatever I gave up on back before me and His still small voice said, “Get to work.”
Less than three weeks since hurricane Harvey inundated tens of thousands of miles in Texas and Louisiana, again I sit watching the devastation in Florida brought by hurricane Irma. As I thought about SW this week, I wondered how many people were saying to themselves, “I give up.” In a few interviews, survivors admitted they were giving up and moving to another part of the country. Yet, the majority responded that they thanked God to be alive and planned on rebuilding.
Surprisingly, statistics show that 90% of people give up on their life dreams at some point. Such a high percentage begs the question, why do people give up. Different Bible versions translate several words in the Old and New Testament as ‘give up’. Their root words provide some insight as to why. Through the High Priest Azariah, the Lord told Asa King of Judah, But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV). Other versions translate do not give up, do not let your hands be weak (NKJV), do not lose courage (NASV), and don’t be discouraged (Holman). Do not give up has the idea of not growing weary or loosing courage. Paul told the Galatian Christians, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal 6:9 NIV). Other versions say do not grow weary (NASV) and do not lose heart (NKJV). The word for do not give up means to loose, grow weary, exhausted, or faint. So, from a Biblical perspective people give up because they grow weary and loose heart. Synonyms for give up are surrender, abandon, and stop. Satan accomplishes his purpose when anyone gives up on God’s will. Antonyms are fight, hold out, and stand up to. Not giving up is often a challenge and endurance. It may require us to fight or hold on. Paul referring to spiritual warfare says having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore (Eph. 6:13, 14). Jesus taught, But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved (Matt 24:13).
Here are a few significant things people give up on, marriage, education, healing, overcoming a bad habit, and some even give up on life. Abram and Sarai gave up their dream of having a son. We know this because they first adopted their servant Eliezer and then the birth of Ishmael. Paul gave up on his ministry on the ship to Rome; we [including Paul] finally gave up all hope of being saved (Acts 27:20). Elijah gave up on life and asked God to let him die. Every day 105 Americans give up on life and commit suicide. Worldwide the suicidal rate is one person every 40 seconds. Study the above and all the other biblical examples of those who either gave up or wanted to give up and you will discover God never gave up and provided the answer they needed despite the fact they gave up.
Two ways people give up. They simply declare they have given up. The more subtle and dangerous way is to live as if you haven’t given up and not realize or admit that you have. Jesus came to man at the pool by the Sheep Gate who had been ill for thirty-eight years. The man didn’t appear as if he had given up because he was still at the pool, which people believed would bring healing when the water was stirring. When Jesus asked him if he wished to get well, his response showed the reality that he had given up. He didn’t answer Jesus with a yes. Instead, he gave his excuses for not having been healed, mostly blaming others (John 5:1-9). But note, Jesus hadn’t given up and commanded him to get up and walk.
For those who have given up or those considering giving up, it would easy for me to share multiple scriptures as to why you shouldn’t—you probably already know the verses. Yet, we can reach such a low state of hopelessness that scriptures seem meaningless. Let me tell you three principles I’ve established. Postpone giving up until tomorrow; take one more step before you give up; and if you are determined to give up, give it up to Jesus. He hasn’t given up yet. Don’t worry about how you feel or even your lack of faith, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:7 NIV). Now take one more step.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Even if you gave up years ago, it is never too late for a new start. Hear the Holy Spirit, “Get to work.”