Sometimes dreams get messy, relationships have bumps in the road and careers become less satisfying. There are a few things you need to think through before you decide to call it quits. So for anyone considering giving up here are four things you sh…

Last week we started this two-part series dedicated to anyone and everyone who has ever wanted to throw in the towel and maybe just take a nap. If that is you, trust me I feel you. I have a mind full of ideas and dreams, but I also have a life full of obstacles and limitations to overcome. In part one we discussed evaluating who you are working for, considering a timeout and we acknowledged the fact that nothing is ever too dead for God. If you missed it, it was awesome, and you can go back and check it out by clicking here.

This week I have four more things too seriously consider before you give up. Before we dive in, I just want to reiterate the exception for this post. This post’s advice does not apply to you if what you want to give up on is a marriage or life itself. This is only a two-part series and a simple blog post, and those two topics are far too complex to get advice from the internet. Please read the full disclaimer in part one but know I suggest you find some Christian counseling for either of those topics.

So now without further ado, let’s dive in.

What If You Did Quit?

During a season of famine, Israel moved to Egypt because due to thoughtful planning, that nation had the provisions to support them in that season. Fast forward from Genesis to Exodus and not only is the Nation of Israel still in Egypt, but they are also now slaves to Egypt. They overstayed their welcome, and their refuge became their captivity.

I share that to just acknowledge that sometimes it’s okay to recognize when you’re done and meant to move on. That happens. I worked at a job I loved for five years. I was helping beautiful and broken women overcome addictions and bondage to live godly Christ-centered lives in freedom. I was in leadership and held influence. I loved that job until I didn’t. It started to feel more and more like captivity to me because I was losing sight of who I was when my religion wasn’t my job. I couldn’t remember where I stood on issues that I was required to view specific ways due to the nature and well policies that I had to enforce in my job. So I resigned, and I decided to pursue blogging, and I have never regretted it.

So just take a minute to consider the ramifications of quitting. I asked Mike what he thought of this one, and he said, “you have to follow your desires.” He was referencing Psalm 37:4 which says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Sometimes if you’re no longer excited about what you are doing, you need to pause and figure out what you are excited about and is that desire God leading you into a new season and a new thing? If you can remove your attention from whatever fire currently has your attention, what is it that you are still excited about? If nothing comes to mind, that may be the problem. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Without vision people perish.” Delight yourself in the Lord and find and follow your desires.

Remember Why You Started

There was a time you thought it was worth the time, efforts and investments. Why? When you look beyond your current circumstances do you honestly believe that it isn’t worth it?

If yes, then endure. Take a vacation. Rest. Allow your energy and resources to be renewed and then you just keep fighting through. Stand as the Bible says.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore Ephesians 6:13-14a.

When you’ve done everything within your power to stand, you keep standing covered in your God-given armor that is full of His power. I have an excellent series called The Good Fight that focuses on each piece of the armor that you can check out here.

So if after evaluating why you started and weighing the challenges against your initial motivations, you think it isn’t worth it then refer back to my previous point: What if you did quit?

What If The Dream Is For Your Kids?

This one is probably my favorite, and it is what keeps me fighting and pressing through. It’s why I continue to war against the threat of depression and anxiety. It’s why we’re working to become and live debt free. It’s why I continue to show up on this blog and work to build a community and a strong and striving ministry/business. For my kids that aren’t even born yet.

Maybe your dream is for your kids. Perhaps you’re David, and your job is just laying the foundation and fighting battles that make room for your Solomon to build your dream. Maybe you’re just clearing the forest and so your kids have an easier time creating their vision.

I have many lofty goals, and I am well aware of the fact that some of them are bigger than just one lifetime. I may see them come to pass, and that would be awesome, but I also know that God is a multigenerational God. He works in family lines. He’s the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fullness of your dream may be for your kids.

Are you okay with that? Are you okay with marching out to slay a giant and fighting battles so that your kids can enjoy life in peace? Are you alright with clearing out the land so that your kids can build in peace?

“If You Don’t Quit You Win”

I heard Heidi Baker (a missionary in Mozambique) say this once and it has stuck with me ever since. If you feel like giving up today, I urge you first to remember where you are going and I encourage you to keep your eyes on the prize. Knowing where you are gong makes the pain and the hard days far more bearable because you are focused on the joy that is ahead of you.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

Jesus bore the cross for the joy that He saw ahead. He saw where He was going and He saw what the sacrifice was paying for, and that made the pain endurable. Have you considered what you stand to win if you endure?

If you are considering giving up, you need to make sure that you see as much of the picture as possible. You have to make sure that you are thinking it through thoroughly. What you don’t want is regret. This post is just me trying to help you to make sure that you are looking at this thing from every possible angle. I just want you to make sure that you have considered and thought through all viable options and are confident that you’ve weighed all the costs.

Also just please know that this stuff matters to God. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. Remember in part one (LINK!!!!!!) I shared in my very first point God is a great business partner. He’s a great partner in general. Whatever you’re walking through, know that it matters to Him and He is ready and willing to help you through it all.

I pray this post find just the right people at just the right time, and I pray it helps bring clarity and focus to you dear friend. If you did find this post helpful, we would love it if you’d consider sharing it out with your friends and followers. There are share buttons on the screen to make that easier. We believe in our message, and every share helps us spread that message further.

If you missed part one click here to jump back and read it.

Lastly, are you in the Living For Love VIP Club? It is the best way for us to stay connected with you so we can keep you encouraged plus you gain instant access to our Ebook - Overcome with is an excellent resource for navigating tough seasons. If you enjoyed this post, I think you'll love the book.

I am so thankful I get to be a tiny part of your story and that you take the time to read and share our content. It means that world. Thanks for making my dream possible.