Did you know there is a “National Quitters Day?” In case you missed it, that day was Friday, January 12th. Why January 12th? Because studies show that is the day most people start to give up hope of making their resolutions a reality and flounder with their resolve.
Have you ever been in the midst of something and wanted to give up? You start strong and you’re almost there but the finish line is not in sight. Then, busyness battles for your attention. Your strength diminishes by the hour and the resolve you had at the beginning starts to melt. Finally, disappointment trips you up and you ask, “is it worth the effort?” You tell yourself, “it just didn’t work out.” “It wasn’t meant to be.”
“I give up.”
My thoughts turn to abandon more often than I want to admit. I’ve started many pursuits and never completed the task. From sewing projects, long books, and exercise plans, to ministries, friendships and my walk with God, my list of my “I quits” is lengthy. I am praying this year’s goals do no make that list. (Click here to read more at Trading My Goals for God’s GOALS.)
Do you want to quit? Has your resolve to change diminished since the first day of the year? I understand why there is a quitter’s day because I am a big quitter, too.
I have quit on so much, I feel like the man at the pool in John 5:1-9. The man was paralyzed and for thirty eight years he laid just feet from the healing waters of the Bethesda pool. Only the first person to reach the waters when it bubbled would be healed and this man waited for his turn.
When Jesus arrives at the pool, He chooses this man out of the many other afflicted souls there waiting to be healed. John writes,
“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”’
Do we want to be healed? Do we want to reach our goals and be changed?
How would you answer that question? I want to shout a resounding, “YES!” However, I pause and wonder, do I really want to be healed or is the status quo more comfortable?
The man at the pool did what I imagine I would. He made excuses. He told Jesus that he needed help, and someone (or something) always got in his way of healing.
What help do you need to reach your goals and not quit? Through the power of the Holy Spirit given to us through Jesus we have the help we need. All we have to do is ask. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
What is getting in the way of reaching your goals? Distraction is the enemy’s strongest weapon. If he can get us busy doing something else, what God gives us sits on the sidelines. Take a look at where your time is spent. Are you putting aside the goals God has for you? If so, it’s not too late to get back on track.
I found this quote from Oswald Chambers, “We will find what we are looking for if we concentrate on Him.” Focusing our affections and attention on God will bring us to the healing pools of accomplishing His goals.
In honor of all of us who will not quit, I am declaring today the “National Day of Non-Quitters!”
Father God, we can’t do anything without you. Give us the strength to reach the goals and plans you have for us. Protect us from distraction and help us to keep our eyes on you. Thank you for your great love that changes and transforms our hearts to seek your goals.
TAKING ACTION: If you are having trouble sticking to your goals, enlist some help. Ask your friends to keep you accountable. God wants you to accomplish what He has set on your heart. He will equip you and that includes giving help through your friends and supporters.
Photo courtesy of Photo by Yen Vu Scott Webb on Unsplash.
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