Do Not Give Up

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Have you watched the “Death Crawl” scene in the movie, Facing the Giants? It’s the one when the football team coach demands that the most influential player, while blindfolded, crawl 30 yards down the football field—beginning at the 50-yard line—as he carried a teammate on his back.  The coach coaxes him to keep going and not give up. Despite groaning and grumbling the young man perseveres, not only for 30 yards, but into the end zone!

I’ve replayed the scene in my mind often when I’m tempted to give up and quit fighting for my country. I’ve felt that way a lot in recent months in regards to the presidential election in the United States of America.

Yet, the writer of Proverbs reminds us, If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength (v. 12:10)!

Sadly, at times I’m tempted to abandon the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’—yes, the United States, land that I love. I want to give in to discouragement when I hear the latest unsavory news releases on the presidential candidates.

But deep in my heart I don’t want to fail my country, founded and fought for under horrendous conditions. I commit to vote. I commit to pray. Sweet friend in Christ, have you exercised yourprivilege of freedom to have your voice heard? Will we all take our responsibilities seriously and persevere in our faith?

On the day after the election, whatever the outcome, may we resolve to keep on fulfilling God’s law of love to all people.

Father in heaven, Direct my thought, words, and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit… Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ. – George Washington, 1st U.S. President

Karen Sims