Do you ever just feel like calling it quits? Do you ever feel like giving up on your career, your ministry, your family, your relationships, your dreams, or your faith? It seems like in the past few months I’ve heard of several people giving up or strongly considering it. Some I’ve heard of have gone to extreme measures to “give up.” When is it time to give up or is there ever a time? Should the words “giving up” even be part of your vocabulary, unless you are giving up to the ONE who can offer you more, Jesus Christ.

What can you do when you grow weary—when you feel like you just want to give up? 

Hold On!  Don’t give up! Ride the waves and wait for the storm to pass, and hold on to your anchor Jesus. Don’t let go, He promises to never let go of you! God will see you through the storm. When the storm calms, the waves will settle, the sun will shine, and you will see much clearer. Peace will come as the sun comes shining through. “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today…the Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Ex.14:13-14

Seek GOD: Passionately seek God with all your heart. If you seek God He promises that you will find Him. If you call out to Him in prayer He will listen. Pour out your frustrations to Him…HE cares. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me will all your heart. I will be found by you says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:12-14)

Re-direct your frustration: Perhaps the frustration you are experiencing is the very thing you need to help move you to take action. Clarify what you are frustrated about and take action to resolve your frustration. Continuing to struggle with the same frustrations will wear you down. Take steps to alleviate them and you will experience freedom. Use them as a means to energize you to make decisions that will bring positive and productive change. 

Make adjustments: Adjustments are different from quitting. Adjustments are making changes that will redirect your focus with the intentions of engaging in more opportunities. Your focus may have been in one direction for so long that it needs adjusting in order to experience new opportunities. This doesn’t mean you have failed or have abandoned ship, it means you are redirecting your energy in a way that will offer even grater use of your gifts and talents, which in return, will bring greater fulfillment.

“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks migh He increases power.” Is. 40:29

Take drastic measures: If you’ve been struggling for a long time and your situation has become way out of control take drastic measures. There are times in life when you have to decide you’ve had enough and will do whatever it takes to change. This is not considered “giving up,” this is considered “getting smart.” This is a time to yield to God and His ways. Inviting change must come with a willing teachable spirit. Progress will come as you accept the counsel and are obedient to the teaching. In seeking extreme change it is best to get the help of a professional (Life Coach, Counselor, Minister, Doctor, etc.). Professional help will empower you to make changes more efficient, quicker, and with greater results. If you can’t afford professional help seek the aid of a church or a ministry specializing in the service needed. Whatever you do…get help!

When you feel like calling it quits consider these choices and DON’T GIVE UP! 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)