DON'T GIVE UP

By: Dennis Harworth

     It was a sparkling spring day as a co-worker and I went to play a one-on-one basketball game.  (The first person to reach 21 points was the winner, with each basket being one point.)  Although I thoroughly enjoyed playing basketball, I was a little reluctant to play against someone who was so much taller, stronger, and could jump a lot higher than me.  I suspected that I was overmatched, but I decided to go for it anyway. My suspicions were soon confirmed as he totally dominated the game.  He was hitting shots from everywhere, and was unstoppable close to the basket. He easily got the rebound of my missed shots, and his intense defense completely frustrated me making it extremely difficult to even dribble, much less to score.  Soon the score was 18-3, and utter discouragement had set in.  I was losing hope of ever winning the game.

     Then a clear, commanding, yet loving voice told me, “Don’t give up!”  The voice was so loud that I thought for sure it was audible.  I thought the Lord was standing right beside me telling me, “Don’t give up!”  But when no one else heard anything, I quickly became very attentive to make sure I was actually hearing from God.  The Lord immediately reminded me, “You can do all things through MY anointing.  I will strengthen you.” (Philippians 4:13).  This touched the very core of my being and energized me to a new level.  All of a sudden, I could see myself being able to do what I had not been able to do the whole game.  Not only was I able to score, but I stopped him from scoring.  All he needed to do was score just three more points and he would have won the game. 

     The more I saw myself winning the more I scored and the more I scored the more my energy picked up and my confidence soared.  Because God had told me “Don’t give up” I became extremely expectant and convinced of what I was able to do.  To make a long story short, against all odds, to the absolute amazement of my opponent, I made an incredible comeback and won the game.

     Have you ever felt hopeless; being so far behind in something that you were ready to give up?  Are you on the brink of despair with nowhere to turn for some answers?  Well, according to the Word of God, you don’t have to stay there.  The Lord plans to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11).  He has given you exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4), and you can be fully persuaded that what He has promised, He is able also to perform. (Romans 4:21). 

     Get to know what God promises.  If you don’t know what they are, you are without hope. (Ephesians 2:12).  However, if you know and act on His promises, you will live in earnest expectation and hope, being ashamed of nothing. (Philippians 1:20).  You have here a double assurance from God. The two Greek words for earnest expectation and hope mean “intense anticipation” and “to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation, or confidence”.  Hope is intense anticipation and expectation with confidence in what God promises!

     So know this, it doesn’t matter how small the problem, or how big the situation, God wants to give you hope.  You can be in earnest expectation of being healthy and whole.  You can intensely expect success and prosperity in your life, your marriage, and your children.  You can be in eager anticipation of achieving God’s best in your business, your education, or whatever pertains to your life.  Why?  Because what you are earnestly expecting is not dependent on doctors, the economy, your spouse, or other people.  It is based on the covenant promises of Almighty God.  Because He said it, you can be filled with hope and earnestly expect it! 

     Life is more than a basketball game, but what a lesson I learned from acting on His Word.  Yes, I had to put forth the effort, but I didn’t give up hope once I heard His voice.  The more the hope grew, the better the situation got, and the more confident I became.  The greatest blessing was not learning the lesson or winning the game.  The testimony of this act of obedience of not giving up eventually led to the other player becoming a Christian. 

     Therefore, whether things are at the worst they can possibly be or just a seemingly minor situation, it doesn’t matter to God, don’t give up!  Listen to Him and obey His Word.  You can literally do all things through Christ which strengthens you (Philippians 4:13), just don’t give up! 

     When facing impossible challenges, hear the Lord say, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).  Stand on God’s Word, His precious and personal promises to you, and watch hope rise up within you.  You can have the intense anticipation and expectation with confidence in all that God promises if you DON’T GIVE UP!