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There are times in life that we may feel like quitting. The desire to quit usually comes along in the disguise of discouragement. We are on the journey, doing what we feel God is calling us to do, but things are not moving as fast as we have planned. Without realizing it, we may begin to compare the speed of what we are doing, to the world’s way of doing things, or to another ministry. In our discouragement and comparing our journey to another’s, this may cause us to fall to our knees in defeat. We fall to our knees in defeat, because we are not to live our life, or lead the ministries that God has given us at the speed and direction of the world, or the speed of another ministry or organization.

Throughout God’s word we read of men and women that heard the voice of the Lord, were faithful on the journey God called them to, and moved along at a slower pace than others around them. We read that in the midst of the journey of life, God changed the life of the leader, as he or she was on the journey. Many times not only did God change the leader, but also changed the lives of the people that were on the journey together. This was for the purpose of serving together, and carrying out God’s plan for the world. For this reason to carry out God’s plan for our lives and for the good of God’s community and his purposes, quitting is not an option. To assist us in not quitting and guard against discouragement, we can turn to God’s word, to learn how people long ago, persevered in the journey God placed before them, in the difficult and in the good times

Jeremiah was one such fellow who followed the call on his life. Jeremiah was reluctant to follow God’s journey for him, just as Amos and Isaiah were. Even though he was reluctant to follow God’s call, he was also a lot like Micah, in the fact that he was outspoken. As we read, we find that God seemed to choose the reluctant as his spokesman and not those who had life all together, and said, “Let’s go God!” In Jeremiah 1:6-10 we read a conversation between Jeremiah and God.

The Lord gave me a message. He said, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” “O’ Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” “Don’t say that,” the Lord replied, “for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the Lord have spoken!” Then the Lord touched my mouth and said, “See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. You are to uproot some and tear them down, to destroy and overthrow them. You are to build others up and plant them.” God continues in Jeremiah 1:17-19; “Get up and get dressed. Go out and tell them whatever I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you immune to the attacks. You are a strong fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. None of the kings, officials, priests, or people of Judah will be able to stand against you. They will try, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I the Lord have spoken!” We must remember, as we read this text in Jeremiah, that he was created by God and only a man, just as we are men and women of today. Jeremiah was appointed by God to this task before he was born. (Jeremiah 1:5) We read in other passages of Jeremiah, how Jeremiah cried and would weep for those living in sin. Due to the task that was given to Jeremiah, there must have been days that he was discouraged and desired to quit. There must have been days that he felt others were passing him by as he was standing still continuing to give the people the same message over and over again, or spending time in prison. Yet, as we read throughout the book of Jeremiah he continued forward even in the midst of tears and imprisonment. Jeremiah did not quit.

Deborah is a woman that God chose for a difficult task. She carried out God’s call in the midst of a patriarchal society, where culturally men held these types of positions. God chose Deborah, and allowed her to carry out the position and the authority of a Prophetess and Judge, during a difficult time in biblical history. This meant she was given the task to lead God’s people not only politically, but spiritually and militarily. Although we do not read about Deborah struggling with discouragement in the text, I surmise behind the scenes of Deborah’s life, in the midst of the need to make important military decisions, political decisions and to guide the people spiritually, there must have been difficult days in her life. Since the opposing side in battle had chariots of iron and the people Deborah was leading did not, this must have been a concern for her. Yet, God gave Deborah the responsibility to lead, even against the people who had more powerful equipment for battle than she and her people did. As a leader she did it well. She did not quit, but continued forward on the journey that God placed before her. (Judges 4-5)

Dear Lord, I ask you to give us the courage of Jeremiah and Deborah. Give us a spirit that keeps us moving forward, with what you have given us to do for you. Where ever you place us in the nations of this world, whatever language we speak, help us to press on and not “quit” in times when life is tough. May we be found faithful today and in the days to come. Amen.

Additional Scripture, People who did not quit: Joshua 1: Esther 4:13-17, Mark 5:15-34

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