We all know what it’s like to want to give up. Those of us in the chronic illness realm especially struggle with balancing our ambitions with our bodies that don’t want to cooperate.

I was at that place of giving up when I went to bed last night.

Giving up on this website. Giving up on striving to have a home business so I can be available for my family. Giving up on trying to create a pay-to-access, Christian-based, chronic illness life coaching website, using my illness for the glory of God.

Giving up on what I know God wants me to do to serve Him with my life.

If I just give up, all the aggravation of trying to get all the components to work correctly all at the same time would just go away. A huge burden would be lifted.

But I would be disobedient and I would disappoint my Heavenly Father.

I read the following scripture passage late last night. Let’s not give in to giving up, but press on toward the prize.

 

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,
so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body,
but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near.
Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:1-11 NIV
(Emphasis mine)