Don't Give Up!

For a long time in my life, I have had a fear of failure. That fear prevented me from stepping out and taking a risk many times. It wasn't that I couldn't do whatever it was, I was just afraid of not doing it right, not knowing enough, or being rejected.

This can cripple a revitalizer who is seeking to renew his church. One thing I've learned over time is to just get out there and do it. The only person you need to please is God and no one else. Following the vision He has given you as best as can is not a failure, but obedience. There may be people who will resist you, but allow God to move in their hearts to come along side you in the revitalization effort.

There are many great quotes on not giving up. Here's several of my favorites: Dale Carnegie, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Winston Churchill, “Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” Vince Lombardi, "Winners never quit and quitters never win."

However, the best one I've found as revitalizer is found in 2 Corinthians 4:1 which says, "Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy, we do not give up." God has called you to a revitalization ministry in current position and as you begin to doubt your ability and want to give up, remember what Paul shared to the Corinthians. God has shown us mercy and because of that, do not give up!

Not giving up is hard in the face of adversity. How do you keep it up? Simply by renewing your inner self. Staying grounded in God 's word. Walking with Him daily. And, communicating with Him through prayer. It is vital for a revitalizer to take of himself physically and spiritually. Near the end of that chapter Paul tells us this, "Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day." Allow God to work on your inner person and leave the fears and doubts behind.

God will help to keep on keeping on!

Onward and Upward!