Life seems to always be throwing challenges our way, trying to knock us down. Some of those times we give up too soon, maybe right before we were about to witness the breakthrough. In the Bible, there are several instances where someone kept going and eventually reaped a harvest of blessing. For example, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, but that blessing did not come instantly. Instead, he had to wait decades before that promise was fulfilled. There were probably times throughout his waiting season where he doubted God and felt like giving up, but he did not let those feelings control him. Through his patience, endurance, and trust in God, his wife, Sarah, became pregnant and gave birth to their son Isaac at ninety years old.

God is always moving and working even when we feel like He is not. He was faithful to fulfill His promises in the past and is faithful to fulfill His promises today, for Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Although at times it seems convenient and easy to just give up, it is important that we turn to God for the strength and willingness to keep going. Those who stay faithful to God and endure to the end will get to see completion and reap a harvest of blessing that the Lord has promised.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for promising that if we do not give up, You will bless us. In times when I feel giving up, please give me the strength and desire to keep going. When I feel tired of the path leading me to Your blessings, please give me hope. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1.    Galatians 6:9 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Gianna B.