Don’t Ever Give Up!

What to Do When Life Gets Difficult

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Today, we’re going to discuss a “wilderness mentality” that can be pretty sneaky. It’s the mindset that says:

“I can’t take it—it’s too hard!”

The enemy loves to try and fill our minds with “give up” thoughts. However, God’s Word says He’ll always give us the strength and ability we need to do His will. I love Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), which says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Maybe you’re dealing with something right now that seems too big to handle. If so, I have good news for you—God wants to be your strength.

I love John 16:7 in the Amplified Bible. In this verse, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to be “in close fellowship” with us. He uses several different words to describe the incredible work of the Holy Spirit, including “Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby.”

So, what does this mean? It means when we need help—when life gets difficult and we need more strength—we literally have the Strengthener living on the inside of us, and He will give us all the strength we need!

Just think about it: The Holy Spirit is always with you, and He’s ready, willing, and able to help at any moment. Anytime you’re tempted to give up—whenever you begin to think, I can’t do this. I can’t take this anymore—that’s when it’s time to pray, “Holy Spirit, strengthen me!”

Our minds play such an important role. When all we do is focus on the problem, we make it bigger than it really is! But I love what it says in the Book of Psalms—it says we should “magnify the Lord” (Psalm 34:3).

To magnify the Lord means to focus on Him and make Him “bigger” in our eyes. As we do, our faith begins to grow because we’re focused on how mighty and able God is to solve our problems. As a result, our negative circumstances don’t seem so overwhelming—they are no match for Almighty God!

Whatever you’re dealing with today, I encourage you to look at it with a fresh perspective. Instead of saying, “This is too hard,” choose to say what God’s Word says about your situation. Say things like, “God is taking care of my problem” and

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”

Remember, a situation may be too big for you to handle, but it’s not too big for God!

Prayer: “Father, I believe Your Word, and I know that You want to fill me with Your strength. Right now, I commit to you the difficult areas of my life. I ask for a fresh wave of Your strength and ability so I can keep moving forward with a good attitude and a positive mindset. Holy Spirit, please strengthen my mind, body, and emotions. Please remind me often that You are with me in the midst of it all, and that You’ll never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). In Jesus’ name, Amen.”