NOWHERE in Scripture does God say that walking by faith is easy. Luke 9:57-62 records Jesus’ encounters with three potential disciples. His responses to their individual interest are weighty. To the final would-be follower, He stated, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Like marriage itself, when I decide to become a member of the bride of Christ, the option of quitting needs to be thoroughly eliminated from my thinking.
But, that does not mean that Satan will not seek to entice us with the temptation to quit. When Satan has baited the hook of temptation with the lure of abdicating our faith, David’s words of Psalm 31:19-23 are crucial. Here, David writes: “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes’; nevertheless, You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful and fully repays the proud person.”
Embedded in these verses are three powerful antidotes to the poison of Satan’s fiery dart called quitting. Let’s note them carefully.
- Because of God’s goodness, quitting is a foolish idea (vv. 19-20). Jehovah, a fortress of defense (v. 2), protects those who trust in Him. Be steadfast. Do not quit.
- Because of God’s kindness, quitting is a foolish idea (vv. 21-22). Jehovah, my rock and fortress (v. 3), hears and answers prayer. Be instant in prayer. Do not quit.
- Because of God’s faithfulness, quitting is a foolish idea (v. 23). Jehovah, my rock of refuge and strength (v. 2), preserves the faithful and punishes the unfaithful. Be faithful unto death. Do not quit.
David’s final words of advice to those who are faint in heart say it best: “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).
