This week has been horrible in many ways. We just shake our heads at the injustice permeating our government, the spirit of deception that has crept through the Church, and the dark cloud that’s hovering over our nation.

We expect weak Christians to cower and give up, but strong leaders? Well, that’s what we’re witnessing. Christian leaders who led armies to the front lines are now retreating and surrendering. Basically, they’re telling the enemy that he’s won. They’re giving him what he wants.

I don’t believe God wants us to give up. So, today I would like to view this through the lens of Scripture. Let’s look at some faith giants who had every right to give up, but didn’t!

What if…
Noah had given up!

Imagine how many people thought Noah was crazy. I mean, it took 120 years to build the ark. With the unbelief of his community and the probability that he didn’t have much help, it would have been easy for him to just give up. He must have been the laughing stock of his circle of friends and beyond. I wonder how many days he surrendered to his own sobs and doubts.

Here’s what we know… Noah didn’t give up. But if he had, we would not have these words written about him: “By faith, Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). If he had given up, his name would not have been listed among the great men of faith in Hebrews 11. Something tells me that this chapter is continuing in heaven as many more names have been added. People who DID NOT GIVE UP!

What if…
Joshua had backed down!

When Joshua was a student under Moses, I doubt he knew God’s future plan for him. But then God raised him up to lead His people into the Promised Land. It wasn’t an easy task. They often looked into the eyes of giants and great warriors. The people of Canaan didn’t go down without a fight. I’m sure it was grueling to say the least and it took a long time to conquer the land. In fact, scholars have said that it took most of his adult life to conquer only portions of the Promised Land.

But, he did not back down. And because of Joshua’s resolve to keep going forward, his story has been written for us. He is one of the greatest warriors of all time. As we are faced with the battle of our lifetime, Joshua teaches us how to be strong warriors by remaining faithful, resilient, and obedient to God. I can’t wait to sit down with him one day and learn more about his story.

What if…
Isaiah had relinquished his voice!

When the call came to Isaiah to preach to an unrepentant people, God told him that no one would listen (Isaiah 6:10). Imagine how lonely his life was. Something tells me that not very many party invitations came in the mail. When I speak to a group of people, they want to hear what I have to say. They send hearts. But when Isaiah stood before people, they threw stones.

The truth is, though, that Isaiah didn’t relinquish his voice. He may have faced discouragement and frustration on a daily basis, but he never stopped preaching to a hardened people. He fulfilled God’s mission for him with power and authority. Isaiah gave us beautiful descriptions of the coming Messiah and Jesus often quoted from Isaiah.

What if…
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had caved to pressure!

Many Jewish people were taken captive by the Babylonians, but three stand out in the book of Daniel. It was a difficult time for the people of Israel. They were taken from their home, made to live in a foreign land with ungodly leadership, and forced to bow to idols.

Not one of them caved to the pressure. And for that, they paid a hefty price: Daniel in the lion’s den, and his three friends in the fiery furnace. They remained loyal to God, even when their lives were threatened. God used Daniel for His grand purposes and to give us a vision into the future. Daniel’s dreams seem to coincide with John’s vision in the book of Revelation. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego give us a portrait of how God honors those who remain valiant when opposition comes.

What if…
Paul had quit!

Paul may have been the greatest evangelist to walk this earth, but his journey was very difficult. In fact, many of his trials are recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. The apostle Paul was opposed at every juncture. He came against religious leaders who challenged his message, jealous people who sought to discredit him, and hateful people who wanted him dead. His name remained at the top of the ten most wanted list for his entire ministry.

Yet, Paul never quit. And I’m pretty sure you are very glad he didn’t. God used him to write over half the New Testament, and to guide the church, with solid doctrine, into the future centuries. Paul was a strong leader who never wavered in his faith. He stayed on mission with Jesus through every mountain and valley. There is not a better example, other than Jesus, than the apostle Paul for us to follow.

What if…
John had fizzled out!

John was chosen as one of twelve disciples when he was a young man. He walked with Jesus for three years and then was instrumental in launching the early church. As time moved forward, all of his fellow apostles had died until he was left alone. John was old and feeble when he was banished to the Island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. People often stop working and retire from ministry when they get older. Not John. He was preaching and teaching well into his 90’s.

John never fizzled out. It’s a good thing that John was determined to keep pressing forward because God gave him a powerful vision… the book of Revelation. This revelation has been an integral part of Christian doctrine since the Bible was formatted. And there’s not a better time than right now for this timely word from God. It’s to everyone’s advantage to study Revelation.

In conclusion…
We should never give up either. God blesses those who face opposition without losing faith, losing hope, or throwing in the towel. Paul came to the end of his life and said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). And because of this, Paul goes on to say, “And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all those who eagerly look forward to his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). 

I trust this message encouraged you and that you’ll share it with others.

Blessings,