Thursday, May 19, 2011

Do Not Be a Quitter

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   Hebrews 12:1-3


My seven-year-old loves to start something.  Be it baseball, karate, soccer...you name it he's all gung-ho about it, at first.  He begins strong, excited, and ready to go, but by mid-season, he's ready to be done.  He wants to quit.  The easy thing would be to let him.  I wouldn't have to listen to him whine, fake illness, or cry.  But is letting him quit the right thing?

No.  Quitting before he completes a committment doesn't teach him a thing.  It lets his teammates and coaches down.  It makes Mama and Daddy look like pushovers.  Making him finish out the task builds his character and integrity.  It also teaches him to make sure he really wants to do something before he committs himself to it.

The same goes for Mommy too.  There are times when I just want to quit.  I want to give up Kid's Church or singing on the Praise Team.  I want to quit work.  I want to cease to be Mommy on the worst days (this one doesn't usually last but for a nanosecond)!  It would be so easy just to sit down and quit.  Then I get into the Word and find the verses above in Hebrews.  This chapter follows the 'Hall of Faith' with all the great witnesses of God and what they endured.  They did not quit.  They faced alot more hardship than I could even imagine, but they persevered. 

I want the same to be said of me.  I don't want to quit my race too soon.  He has it all laid out for me.  I want to finish and cross the finish line, running into the arms of my Jesus.  I want to hear Him say, "Well done, my child, you have finished well."  I will press on, head up, feet anchored to the path before me.  I will not be a quitter.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I have been known to quit things a time or two in my life. But I will not quit this race I'm on. I will keep my eyes looking up and run toward the prize.

Kelli said...

It is easy and tempting to want to quit. This really encourages me today! I too desire to run into the arms of Jesus and hear "well done my servant." great post!

Eileen said...

We caved last year when my son started martial arts...went to a few classes and he realized it was more work than fun. We felt like we were throwing our money down the drain (fortunately it was only a month's commitment) My husband and I are the same way. We want him to follow through and finish strong. He will need to apply this all through his life. Great post

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

Amen Allison! We've all been guilty of quitting in the middle of things sometimes, but it's important to our kids and to God to finish what we set out to do.

Have a Blessed Day!

Debbie Dillon said...

Oh, this one definitely speaks to me today, Allison!! I'm there all the time; thinking of quitting my job, quitting worship team, quitting lots of things, but I don't think that's what God wants for me. I guess even we moms are human :( Thanks for sharing this - glad to know I'm not alone!