Praise God, He Didn't Quit

There are some hours, some days, some weeks, maybe some entire seasons we struggle to find joy in the work we are doing for the Lord. 

Our Savior, who of course is the greatest example we can have endured tremendous pain and heartache, for us. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that “He endured the cross…for the joy that was set before Him.

The pain of crucifixion and the separation from God while He hung on the cross were not joyful. However, He was able to endure it because of the joy that would come. Perhaps this is what prompted our brother Paul to write, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” Through it all, our Savior did not quit.

He didn’t quit when they arrested Him in the Garden. He didn’t quit when they held a public trial that was a mockery. He didn’t quit when those closest to Him forsook Him. He didn’t quit when they placed a crown of thorns on His head. He didn’t quit when they beat Him mercilessly. He didn’t quit when they made Him carry His own instrument of death. He didn’t quit when they drove nails through His hands and feet. He didn’t quit while He was suspended between Heaven and earth. He didn’t quit when they ridiculed Him, mocked Him, and taunted Him. He didn’t quit when they thrust a spear in His side. He didn’t quit when His Father turned His head away. To say the least, this was not a joyful time in His existence.

No one said that our lives as preachers of the Gospel would be easy, a bed of roses, or even fair. Yet, the joy will come.

Dear brothers, don’t quit. Don’t quit when they ignore you, malign your work, or mistreat you. The joy will come. Thank you for all you do. We love you all very much.