Never Give Up!

It comes naturally to us, both young and old, to want to give up when circumstances arise in life where our faith is put to the test, when the word is to be carried out and have an effect in us. It is precisely in such circumstances that the great aim of our adversary is for powerlessness, discouragement, and worry to enter in, so that our will to fight is paralyzed. “A merry heart is like good medicine, but a discouraged spirit drains the marrow from the bones.” . [Norw.] The spirit of discouragement is not from God, and when it gains a foothold in our lives it drains the marrow from the bones—there is no power left to fight against the accuser. But “God has not given us a spirit of discouragement, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” . [Norw.]

Jesus Himself battled in His sufferings, with “vehement cries and tears,” and offered up prayers and supplications to Him who was able to save Him from death. “. . . and was heard because of His godly fear.” . Having this same need that Jesus had in my circumstances has nothing to do with how the trials might affect my own life, my reputation, what I own and have—or my opportunities in this world. It is a need not to give in to my own will or desire in the hour of temptation!

Herein lies my opportunity, which is so radically decisive that it affects everything in my life, to my very last day.

If I choose to suffer with Him, I will also be glorified with Him! . Is there anything that can give greater joy in life than the assurance that I am being glorified together with Him in my daily circumstances?

Let us never grow weary in this battle, but endure and always choose what is good according to His promptings—“. . . for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” . When we carry this joy of hope with us in the battle, steadfast in the faith that we are being formed and sanctified when we suffer with Him—discouragement and heavy thoughts will lose all power in our lives forever!

Einar Ådalen