When You Just Feel Like Giving Up

Number 41 in the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of Jesus that show us the awesome blessings we can experience each day. I hope it encourages you!

A few days ago I was talking on the phone with a friend who’s been through more than her share. Several hip surgeries, two replacements, cancer and recently a knee replacement. Yet, through it all she can laugh and see the bright side.

I said, “So how’s your knee?”

She replied, “Actually I’m walking well. But I was in the kitchen a couple of days ago and didn’t realize my dog was behind me. I fell over him and the doctor thinks I’ve fractured a vertebrae. I just can’t seem to catch a break.”

First time I’d ever heard her down.

Photo Credit: Reza Vaziri

I imagine we can all relate. We’ve had days when we’re worn out then one more thing hits us. And we think, “Ugh, not something else.”

So maybe we go to church and that Sunday hear, “God is just testing your faith.”

I’ve wanted to scream, “Enough already! I’m a spiritual wimp, ok?”

That’s what I love about this story of Jesus. He’s encouraging people with the good news and healing every kind of disease thrown at him.

Then it says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9: 36 NIV)

I’ll tell you I’ve felt like that on more than a couple of occasions . I bet you have too.

So it gives me encouragement to realize a couple of things.

First, that Jesus knows. I may not realize he’s watching me. These people didn’t. But he knows what I’m going through.

Second, he has compassion. He really does care about me.

Third, he has power to fix the problems or guide me into solutions. No matter what challenge was thrown at him he fixed it.

Fourth, he’s my shepherd. Have you ever watched sheep left on their own? They are about the dumbest animal next to a chicken. Sometimes I feel like I rival them. And frankly I’m glad he’s watching over me.

Fifth, he continually encourages me. Right when I’m ready to give up I remember a promise. Or have a conversation with my wife or one of my kids.

Then after a good night’s sleep it’s time to get back up and get in the game again.

Life can be hard but the one who has all power is with us.

When have you found that kind of comfort in a hard time?

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