We all get to points in our lives when we feel like giving up. The pressures of life can become too much for us. Some of the greatest believers in the Bible experienced great highs and lows. E.g. Elijah. Paul was fatigued and frustrated by the lack of response. Your high points can be quickly followed by low points. Paul wants to speak only to the Gentiles. God appears to Paul to encourage him (vs. 9). God tells Paul that it is too soon to quit. He gives reasons not to quit:-

1 – The Lord’s presence (vs. 10)

See Isaiah 41:10 & 2 Timothy 4:17-18. We are guaranteed the presence of the Lord. Unlike some mothers, God does not forget about his children. We are engraved on the hands of God. It is too soon to quit. We cannot trust our emotions as they go up and down. We need to have our thoughts centred on those of the Lord. We have to pray for God’s help. It is far too soon to give up!

2 – The Lord’s protection (vs. 10)

When you are in God’s will you have God’s protection. See Isaiah 54:17. God will take care of you. If God is for us who can be against us? God knows how to protect his own.

• Set your eyes and heart to the Lord. You can’t follow two masters.
• Tell God exactly how you feel. God loves you and cares.
• Turn your problems over to God. Don’t hold on to them. Let go and let God. You may have to do something! But you don’t have to fret and worry about it.

3 – The Lord’s promise (vs. 10)

God had some souls to save in this town. Blessings are going to come if Paul keeps on working. We are not to grow weary in well doing. We will reap if we do not faint.

4 – The Lord’s peace (vs. 11)

Paul was fortified, renewed by God. He stayed another year and a half. Everything changed for Paul because of what God had promised him. A Christian who is unhappy is a good reason to not become a Christian! It takes work to get happiness. You can’t wait for it to come. You need God’s peace in your life. How do you know you have it?

• It transcends circumstances. You are resting on the promises of God.
• It surpasses understanding. You can’t understand why you are not getting mad or worrying.
• An abiding state of being. You are not up and down. You have consistence in your life.

The Lord is on our side and that is why it is far too soon to quit.

Categories: Acts