Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Have you ever felt like quitting? throwing in the towel? giving up? I think there have been days when most of us have been a bit discouraged, right? Years ago, as I sat in the office of a physicians office, I noticed a small sign she had near her desk. It read –

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started”

When your children present a challenge, think about why you started. When things aren’t going so well at work, think about why you started. When your marriage is going through a rough stretch, think about why you started. When your faith is struggling because of your circumstances, think about why you started.

The Apostle Paul had plenty of reasons to be discouraged, yet he persevered because he remembered why he started and look ahead to what is promised.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9, 16-18

In need of some encouragement? Think about why you started.