Never Give Up

A dear friend called last night. There was despair in her voice. I told her I didn't have words as we spoke, but I would spend time in prayer for her.

This morning, I believe God sent words, and as I prayed for her, I thought of you. Whoever you might be out there today, I wonder if someone else needs these words, too. I really believe someone does. So, I actually look forward to hearing from one of you today, one of you who says, "Hey, that is JUST what I needed."

My friend is stepping out in faith, making a huge leap of committment to do something for God. But, last night, she received criticism, another unknown critic, someone who told somebody who told somebody.

So, here's what I was hearing from God.

When you do BIG things for God, Satan gets BIG mad and BIG scared. He can't have your soul, but he will try to steal your joy. That's what he does, you know. He comes to steal and destroy. I didn't say that. God did, in HIS word. When you feel discouraged, those feelings did NOT come from our Almighty Father. He may have a different direction for your life, but He does not send discouragement.

So, as I was praying this morning, I thought about Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed......Well, I looked it up and KNEW those were words for my friend because I didn't remember the verses surrounding it, and she needs those today as well:


9Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

You see He called her, He has chosen her. That's why He will give her strength and uphold her. And, those critics, well, you see what God thinks of all of that when you read verse 11.

So, dear friend, if God is calling you to greater things, know that tribulation will come, critics will come, too. (We've had our share.) But, God is there to hold you up. He is there to give you strength. He is there to be certain you overcome.

Don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!