Today’s 333 Devotional: “It’s Never Time to Quit”

“A man was shoveling snow from his driveway when two boys carrying snow shovels approached him. One asked, “Can we shovel your snow mister? Only two dollars!” Puzzled the man replied, “Can’t you see that I’m doing it myself.”

“Sure,” said one of the enterprising young men, “that’s why we asked. We get most of our business from people who are half through and feel like quitting.”

And I am sure that each one of us has either felt that way or are feeling that way right now. But now isn’t the time to quit, but to push forward into the fullness of what God has in store for us.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

But that’s not the way Paul felt when he first arrived in Corinth. Instead, He was afraid.

He said, “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3), and “we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 1:8b)

Further, knowing what Paul went through in His ministry, I realize he had good reasons for being discouraged.

Maybe today you have good reasons for being discouraged by what’s happening around the world, but what’s going to help us is to remember the promise God made to Paul, and a promise that God makes to all of us.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

Because of this promise, Paul could overcome his discouragement and say, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (1 Corinthians 12:10).

Don’t give up. Keep on keeping on, and don’t grow tired of doing what’s right, because it is never time to quit.