To Quit or Not to Quit
We encourage our children to stick with a task, a project, an activity. We are told all our lives “don’t quit, don’t give up.”
Looking back there are things I wish I had not given up on so easily. Piano, singing, among others. I give up too easily when the practice gets tough or when someone is critical.
Now as an adult I’m learning there are times I need to keep trying, but that there are also times when you have to quit. When God is telling you “this is no longer for you.”
When Do You Give Up?
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:…..a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6 (NIV)
Sometimes it’s a struggle to know which is the right choice though isn’t it? When do you stick with a situation, a job or a relationship and when do you come to the conclusion that it’s time to move on? Giving up might require some sacrifice. Perhaps it requires the letting go of relationships. Whatever the case making a change of any sort is difficult. Even when it is the right decision.
What I’ve Learned
Over the past year my family has experienced some changes. Changes that had to be made. Changes that required giving up and quitting on some situations. We had to come to the realization that it was okay that what we had always envisioned wasn’t going to work out. We had to let go of those dreams.
We were also seeing the negative effects of these situations. God does not intend for any of us to live with constant stress. And I don’t believe He ever wants us to feel hopelessness. Personally one of the situations was beginning to suffocate me spiritually.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (NAS)
So how do you know when it’s time to quit? When it’s time to give up? Only you can know what God is telling you to do. If the situation, relationship or whatever it is then maybe it’s time to make a change. Were our changes easy? No. Did we wonder and question and doubt if we were making the right decisions? Yes. Some haven’t understood or agreed with the changes we have made. It hasn’t been without pain. Amidst it all, though, there has been growth and a peace we can’t explain.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
