BLESSED IS HE WHO DOES NOT QUIT
Tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord” Colossians 4:17 NIV
Do not fear, let your hands be strong. Zachariah 8:13b NKJ
This is a word for people who have become frustrated and weary in well doing. Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Things will change.
The work of the Kingdom is not like a mushroom or a tumbleweed that pops up overnight. Back up, take a break, and look back at what the Lord has already done. Pray about it. Jesus advised, “Men ought always to pray and never give up.” Luke 18:1 KJV
The word that the prophet Zachariah used to encourage the temple builders who were discouraged and quitting was, “Let your hands be strong!” (chazag in Hebrew) A modern translation could be “Get a grip! Hang in there!” The work is finished not by your strength but by His miraculous grace. Stay faithful.
It takes time to build a temple, a home, a marriage, a work of God. Foundations have to be laid (even though most people will never appreciate the unseen foundation). The Lord is a finisher. He finishes what He begins. (Philippians 1:6) All of this requires work. That’s why the work of God is called work!
In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he closes with a reminder: “Tell Archippus to finish the work God gave him to do.” (my paraphrase) Why did Archippus quit? Was he tired? Had he been double-crossed? Did he run out of funds? Did he feel unappreciated? Or perhaps all of the above?
The number one reason saints give up is that they feel they are alone, that God just doesn’t care. Many have fallen for this lie. But if you hold on, you will discover that God is still working—even when you didn’t see or know how.
When autumn comes, trees lose their leaves. But a process is still working in the trees to produce good roots down in the invisible realm. Good roots produce good fruit, at the right time.
Yes, God’s still working. Trust His timing. And stay in the work of the Lord. You will finish strong and receive the reward.
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