3 Things to Pursue When You Feel Like Quitting
Are there things in your life that simply appear way too big? Impossible to ever accomplish? Too big to even make it through? Do they seem to loom like a mountain in front of you generating thoughts of quitting before you have even begun?
When I traveled to Belize, I had the opportunity to visit the Xunantunich ruins. They were breathtaking. So intricate and immense!
I witnessed a crew of men assigned the task of uncovering, restoring, and rebuilding the large walls maintaining the tombs of a once upon time Mayan King.
The ruins were first discovered in the late 1800s and restoration began in 1924. I think of the first man assigned to the task of unearthing these impressive ruins. Do you think, to him, it ever appeared too enormous to accomplish? Or that he thought of declining the job offer?
Do you think there was ever a point he threw up his hands ready to quit?
I wonder if he knew that almost one hundred years later, people would still be diligently uncovering his project?
And how about those that came after him? How many stayed? How many quit?
How about you? Does this vision strike a chord with you? Is there possibly a project or goal in your life that seems just too much? Does your progress seem too slow? Maybe even your progress feels barely noticeable?
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
I’ve been there, too.
Sometimes it’s in the pursuit of healing for our daughter. It has been a long time with a lot of effort and heart, and, sadly we don’t always see the progress.
And sometimes it’s even in this dream God gave me to write. It’s a big dream and when I see the many that have already accomplished these dreams on a big scale, I wonder where I am in that? In this season of life, I only have a limited number of hours to give in a day. I can’t always see the progress or the lives that God may be encouraging through these words.
I think often, our angle only gives us one perspective. And that perspective leaves us too close to our dream to see the progress.
Our angle is only one perspective.It can leave us too close to see progress.Step back to see the truth #dontquit Share on X
I believe that just as these men tirelessly pursued the uncovering of truth, we must tirelessly pursue
the PASSION God has placed in our hearts
the CALL God has placed on our lives
and
the DREAMS God has placed in our hearts
Tirelessly pursue your #passion,your #call,your #dream. #dontquit #hope Share on X
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
As the men looked at the fruit of their efforts only through the lens of what lie right in front of them, it must have been even beyond overwhelming!
But when we look at what was first uncovered a hundred years ago and compare it to what we see today, we can resoundingly applaud these men and women with a “Job well done, my friends.”
And that is what I hope to hear someday when I come face to face with Jesus.
I hope He says, “I know you felt defeated. I know you felt as though the progress was slow and the affirmations not always there. But I saw every step and felt your heart and determination. I know you never gave up trying to follow what I set before you. And so I say, job well done, my faithful servant.”
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21 ESV
Friends, wherever you are today, don’t give up!
Just put one foot in front of the other. Moment to moment. Every once in a while, though, step away. Get a different view.
A view from above.
A view from a distance to see your progress.
And someday I promise you will hear those words.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Dear Father, You have designed and filled our hearts with unique dreams. Sometimes our call includes that which overwhelms us. But Lord, we know You are in each step with us. You give us just enough light for the step we are on and ask us to pursue each moment as though we were doing it for You.
Lord, I ask you to fill us with the vision to see the big picture. To see what we are creating from a distance – to see it with Your eyes. And Lord, for those who feel like quitting, I ask You to bless them with an affirmation. Fill their spirits with a sense of refreshment and renewal – knowing that as they put each foot in front of the other they are making progress. The right progress. And someday, Father, as they come face to face with You, they will hear, “Job well done, my faithful servant. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Friends, do you need some extra hope? A change of perspective? A new attitude that propels you forward into living a hope-filled life? If so, grab your 5-Day Hope Toolkit and get access to all the resources in the Library of Hope simply by subscribing below.
You can often find me linking up here with these awesome encouragers!
Thank you! Just what I needed to hear today.
Oh, Angela, I am so glad God used these words to speak to your heart! Thank you so much for visiting! I love it when I get the chance to connect with you!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I’m right here beside you, putting one foot in front of the other. It would be so easy to quit but that just isn’t in my plans. I can’t wait to see what is waiting on the other side!
Thank you, Samantha! I love the company! 🙂 I can’t wait either! I’m believing in a celebration on the other side 🙂
So much truth in this post! How often do we forget that our perspective is so limited… but His is without limits and always true!
Hi Karrilee,
First, I just HAVE to tell you I love your name so much!It is beautiful! And thank you for stopping by and for the kind words!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Yes, it’s God who moves mountains, not us!! It’s God who empowers us to move forward with our dreams, and guides us in new directions! But we must abide in him, to see how God uses us, shapes us, unfolds our dreams! Saw your post on #raralinkup!
Amen, Kathy! You nailed it – we must abide in Him or we will not feel the power of Him in us. Thank you for stopping by. I always love your encouraging comments!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Just, Wow! This is an amazing post. It was an honor participating in 7 Encouraging Words with you on Purposeful Faith. You have an amazing gift.
I just love your words, “Our angle only gives us one perspective. And that perspective leaves us too close to our dream to see the progress.” Thank you for encouraging my passion and call to write even when the progress seems so slow. I pray that God blesses you for your beautiful heart that serves Him!
Thank you, Valerie, for your kind words of encouragement! I am so thrilled to have made our connection and so look forward to the future! I am so glad you felt encouraged because you most certainly should! You are amazing!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
They say the Lord works in mysterious ways, and it must be true, because he led me to you and your inspiring post today, Lori! I truly needed to hear your encouraging words-and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing them!
I am beyond humbled and thankful for how God works. Praise Him that you received those words of encouragement when you most needed it! I am cheering you on and praying for your continuing pursuit of your dreams and goals. That whatever mountain looms before you, God moves it out of the way!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori,
Thanks …needed to be reminded again of just putting one foot in front of the next as I follow God.
Amen, Dolly! I’ll be praying for your continued pursuit of your goals and dreams!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Such wisdom! Thank you! #JoyHopeLive https://readingismysuperpower.wordpress.com/2015/09/23/happy-fall-yall/
Thank you so much, Carrie!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Wow! beautifully written posts… That verse from Galatians 6:9 is what everyone of us should keep in mind to spread goodness around the world. #sharewithme
Thank you, Cheryl!! May we never become weary!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
There is hope and love when we follow in his footsteps.
Thank you for sharing on the #OMHGWW this week!
Happy Fall!
Karren
Thank you, Karren, both for your kind words and for diligently hosting #OMHGWW each week!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
What a cool trip! I’m gonna be totally honest here, I’m not sure I could make it all the way up those stairs! Not without a break, at least. =)
There were a LOT of steps! That tour that day had us walking miles! It ended with cave tubing which was a long, but beautiful walk through the jungle! One of the gals with us on the tour had a fear of heights and almost didn’t get back down! Praise God she pushed through the fear! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lovely post and great shot in the arm. I absolutely love this quote,”Our angle is only one perspective.It can leave us too close to see progress.Step back to see the truth.”
Love the blog and I’ll probably drop in again. BTW, I hopped over here from Frog’s Lilypad.
Hi Tori, Thank you so much for stopping by. I am so glad you got that “shot in the arm”! lol! I love how God does His thing! I really look forward to connecting more in the future!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Great way to look at things when you’re too tired trying. Thanks for the boost.
Hi Lux,
I always smile when I see you have visited! You are so appreciated and you are so welcome for the boost! Did you receive the book yet?
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Beautifully written. I will keep these words with me.
Thank you so much. I pray God uses them to encourage you as you continue to pursue your dreams and goals!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori, Thank you for a great reminder, it’s not about me and what I’m doing but the Lord and the task he has set before me. I’m looking forward to the day when I can hear ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.” Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
Hi Lori, Amen! Won’t it be a great day?!! Thank YOU for hosting each week and blessing me with your kindness and encouragement!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori, thanks so much for this encouraging post. It goes directly to my heart and what I need right now! Blessings. I am right next to you at #livefreeThursday Link Up.
Hi Tayrina,
Thank you for your kindness! I am so thankful God has used my words to speak to your heart! I’ll be praying for you as you keep on pursuing those dreams and goals!!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
So encouraging in this time of my life. Beautiful!
Oh, Angela, I am so thankful you were encouraged! I am praying right now for God’s favor and blessing over your life and dreams!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Oh, my, yes. “Beyond overwhelming.”
I love the images of all the ancient buildings made with bare hands and primitive tools. Doesn’t if feel as if that’s what we’re working with sometimes? Thanks be to God for His help and vision to see beyond discouraging now and into a future with Him.
I love that, Michele! It truly does feel like we are working with those bare hands and primitive tools!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Hello Lori, sometimes we need these constant reminders not to give up! Yes friend I think I have been there too. I love this!
Have a blessed weekend
Thank you so much for stopping by, Ifeoma! I always love your visits! Believing together in the great things to come!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I would really love to see those ruins someday. Thank you for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!
I hope you get to! It was my first time ever seeing ruins on a large scale like that. We have some here in Arizona, but nothing in comparison! Thank you for hosting #JoyHopeLive each week!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori,
What a great reminder to step back to see the truth and to not give up…blessings to you as your persevere 🙂
Thank you for your visit and for your kind words, Dolly! And blessings to you, as well!!
Lori
Lori thanks for sharing. I so needed to read this today. Thanks for sharing with Wordless Wednesday.
Celeste, I am so thankful you were blessed and encouraged by these words today!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Some days, or weeks, fly by and so much is achieved. But sometimes it’s the hard slog of plodding along and just putting one foot in front of the other.
I hope I can say this with confidence at the end:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)
Amen! You said that so beautifully! 2 Timothy 4:7-8 is another of my treasured favorite scriptures! Thank you for visiting!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
So many of us need to hear this message. Thank you, Lori, for sharing it. Knowing that God sees every step as progress, even when I can’t see it, just shows again how much smarter He is than I am. I’m thankful that I serve a God who has a remarkable plan for people like me and like you.
Hi Christa,
Thank you so much for joining in the conversation today. He does see every step of progress and is cheering us on. If only we tune into it 🙂 And I am receiving that remarkable plan for us!!!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
This is very inspiring, in fact, I really needed to read this today. Thank you x
Oh, thank you so much, Sara! God is so awesome in the way He directs us where we need it most! I’m so glad you felt encouraged, so don’t quit, k? 🙂
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thank you for sharing this beautiful encouragement at Weekend Whispers!
Thank you for stopping by and for hosting, Barbie!!!
Lori – Thank you for this post. It’s exactly where I have been and currently am – – except now, I am taking a step back for a different perspective. Blessings and keep being transparent!
Thank you so much, Debbie, for the kind words. I am praying for you to find encouragement and renewal as you step back for that new perspective!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Fantastic idea and what a beautifully written post hun. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me blog hop. I hope you have enjoyed reading so many fab other blog posts and to see you again tomorrow for another great round of #sharewithme
Jenny, I love love love the diversity of the posts that you have link up each week. I also love the exposure to the UK! Your community is a treasure! Thank you so much for your support and your kind words!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Hi! Found your site through the Wedded Wednesday linkup. What a great blog post, and beautiful pictures. Love the prayer at the end. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Darby, I am so glad you stopped by and am thankful you enjoyed your visit!
Amazing pictures, but even more amazing truth. Thanks, Lori!
Thank you, Michele! It was so beautiful there! Thanks so much for visiting!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Wow, Lori, what a good word!
Thank your for sharing such powerful words of hope and encouragement!
Sure am blessed by you~
Melanie