How to Endure When You Want to Quit

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? My wife and I recently had the opportunity to hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park—a dream come true. The only problem was, on the way down, I realized I didn’t have enough water. I became so dehydrated that both my legs locked up, and I fell over. At this point, I still had eight more miles to go. The whole way back, I was consumed with these thoughts: I can’t go another step, I just want to give up, I just want to quit. 

We all have moments in life where we think we can’t go one more step. If I’m being honest, I’ve faced more of those moments in the last couple of years than the rest of my life combined. But I found so much encouragement in the book of James. In this book, James—the half-brother of Jesus—encourages the Church during a time when they are scattered and facing persecution and trials. He gives them instructions on how not to quit when life is hard. Let’s take a look at four truths that still apply to our lives today.
 

Consider it Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

How can we possibly consider our trials a joy? Most of the time, when we face a difficult situation, we pray that God would remove it—when in reality, He wants to use it. James isn’t saying it will be easy, but rather asking us to consider that what we’re facing might have a purpose—our obstacle might be an opportunity. James is trying to help us understand that some things only grow through trials. 

I am, by no means, a gardener. But I do know by browsing the plant section at Lowe’s or Home Depot that each plant needs something different to grow. Some plants need half sunlight, some need full sunlight, some need a lot of watering, and some only a little. James communicates that the only way we grow perseverance is through trials. It’s hard, but it’s also encouraging because we serve a God who can turn our mourning into gladness, our ashes into something beautiful, and our sorrow into joy.
 

Ask for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5

When we come up against those moments in life where we want to give up, we can't endure it with our own strength or our own knowledge. James reminds us to ask God for wisdom, and He will give it. God will pour out supernatural wisdom. He will give us the thoughts, ideas, motives, and perspectives that we need. So, we need to begin praying, God, give me your wisdom. Give me your wisdom in this relationship. Give me your wisdom in this business decision. God, give me your wisdom as a parent. And God will generously give us what we need.

Do Not Doubt

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:6-8

James knows our tendency is to doubt God. Sometimes when we come to a difficult moment in life, our response is, God, where are you? God, why am I having to deal with this? When are you going to show up? Whatever you are facing, whatever difficulty you might be up against—you have a God in heaven who wants to remind you: don't give up, don't doubt. Continually remind yourself that God is faithful. If you continually remind yourself that God is good, it helps take your eyes off of your problems and set them onto God. We need to keep encouraging ourselves in the Lord because when we doubt, we're unstable in everything. And I don't know about you, but I want to be faithful and consistent.

Focus on the Finish

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

James not only tells us there is purpose in our pain but that there's a promise on the other side of persecution. And if we can learn to focus on the finish and remain steadfast in every trial, God promised us the crown of life. 

There are moments in life when we're going to want to quit. Those moments are an opportunity for us to demonstrate our faith in God by counting it all joy to grow through our trials. We can seize the opportunity to ask God for wisdom, resist doubt, and focus on the finish. If you feel like I did on that hike, wanting to quit with every step—here’s what I discovered: the harder the climb, the more beautiful the view from the top.

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