Being Weak and Giving Up

Thomas A. Edison told us that “our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just once more.” Marilyn Vos Savant tells us that “being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” Everywhere we look, everything we read, see and hear tells us to be tough, never give in, and always go forward. But our society does not listen or pay attention. We have relationships ending, people giving up on life, watching our country’s history being rewritten, and no one doing anything. We hear and watch couples stand eye to eye and swear before God to take so and so for their husband/wife. These witnesses promise to be faithful and true and then, with a ring, promise to give their worldly goods, to keep in sickness and health, in poverty or in wealth till death do them part. Before the warranty on the wedding gifts expired, one or both of them gave up and wanted a divorce. An article by Dennis Prager in the National Review reports that nearly half of American children are born to a mother who is not married. Forty-three percent of American children live without a father in the home. About 50 percent of Americans over 18 are married, compared with 72 percent in 1960. Americans have so few children that the fertility rate fell to a record low of 62.9 births per 1,000 women in 2013. And in many states, more deaths are now than births. This statistic is a frightening statement about our country and our families. But I still maintain that we, as a nation and individuals, can still overcome the terrible times we find ourselves in.
Ronald Reagan once said, “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.” This sentiment is echoed in the words of Roy Bennett, who said, “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” I have seen many married couples that gave it just one more chance and let their marriage last for many happy years. Giving up and quitting is easy. But I always have to wonder and ask what could have been and what the quitter gave up. They will never know; that is where the true shame comes in. It is probably good that we will never know because the knowledge would surely be worse than not knowing. However, we should remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 telling us, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. Still, with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” This faith in God’s plan and His ability to help us endure is a powerful motivator to keep going, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.