Be Strong and Do Not Give Up

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV)

Standing under a tree enjoying the cool shade and light breeze, I noticed just in front of me, a flying insect. It was about 2 cm’s long, facing away from me with its tiny wings a blur. But it was not going anywhere. Despite its efforts, the light breeze was enough to prevent it making any forward progress.

When the breeze increased, the insect was pushed backwards and would then struggle to regain its former spot. No matter what it did though it could not seem to make any progress past the initial position where I first noticed it. I watched this pattern of backwards and forwards being repeated for several minutes until suddenly the wind eased a fraction. The insect shot forward and was gone.

As I walked away, I thought how much like life that is. Sometimes no matter what we do, how hard we work, or how much we try to change or accomplish something, we seem to get nowhere. And sometimes we find ourselves a step or two backwards.

At those times when we are mentally or physically drained and not seeing the results we want, it’s easy to give up. It's frustrating to work day in and day out and not see any progress.

But those things holding you back will not remain forever. Whatever is blocking your progress will pass. The wind will ease, often when least expected, and you will spring forward.

And what you often find, is that the effort and tenacity you exerted to keep at it, to persevere day in and day out, will supply the strength you need for the next part of the journey. The effort will not be wasted. It can all be redeemed.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

P.S. And if things did get too hard and you gave up somewhere along the way, nothing says you can't get back up and try again.

(David Hollis)