Don't Give Up

"Indeed, we count them blessed who endure.
You have heard of the perseverance of Job
and seen the end intended by the Lord.
The Lord is very compassionate and merciful."

James 5:11

It's easy to give up in life and even on life. God's children are not exempt from hardship, trials, suffering and disappointments. It could be very easy to give up, but don't give up yet. God has something better for you. Endure. Persevere. Continue. Refuse to give up. Consider God's compassion and mercy. Press on to the end to find God's mercy. 

In the Old Testament, the Bible tells the story of Job. He was a man who was upright with God. In spite of His loyalty to God, he endured tragedy, grief and sorrow, sickness and loss of health. He was bewildered and confused. He couldn't understand. Why would God allow him to go through such difficulty?

I have had a habit for many years in reading a book, that I always read the last chapter first. I simply want to know the end of the matter. When I read Job, I must read the last chapter first. For forty-one chapters we read of Job's hardships. It's only in chapter forty-two that we read the end of the Lord. Job endured to find the compassion and mercy of God. God turns his life around. His faith had been severely tested. He wouldn't give up on God through it all.

Have you had times in your life when you felt like giving up? Most people do sooner or later. Are you going through such a time now? Don't give up yet. Believe to see the compassion and mercy of God. The Lord allows our faith to be tested in this world. He never promised us that life would always be care-free and easy. Through it all, our God is always merciful. Faith refuses to give up on God. Doubt says, "Why should I believe in God if He is allowing me to go through so much trouble?" Faith says, "I am going through much trouble, but I will believe to see the mercy of God. I will not give up yet, because God's mercy will be there in the end."

God, be merciful to us.