ESV 1 Thessalonians 5:16Rejoice always

Don’t Give Up(Part 2 of “Joy is Closer than you Think”)

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

–Calvin Coolidge

Don’t Give Up(Part 2 of “Joy is Closer than you Think”)

ESV Luke 24:17-18And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

ESV Luke 24:19-21And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

•Expect Good Things

ESV Luke 24:25-27And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

NIV Romans 8:28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

•Expect Good Things

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

•Expect Good Things•Keep Your Eyes on God

NIV Hebrews 12:1Therefore, 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,

NIV Hebrews 12:2-3fixing 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.

ESV John 21:3“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.”

Don’t Give Up(Part 2 of “Joy is Closer than you Think”)

ESV John 21:17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

•Expect Good Things•Keep Your Eyes on God

How to Give Up on Giving Up:

•Expect Good Things•Keep Your Eyes on God•Accept God’s Control of the Situation

ESV John 21:18-19Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Challenge:

Challenge:

•Where are you thinking about giving up? Ask God for help!