Title: Pressing On: Encouragement for Those Who Feel Like Giving Up
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for this beautiful day you have given us. As we gather here, we pray that you will speak to our hearts and minds through your word. Guide us and help us to press on despite the challenges we face, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Introduction:
Life is often challenging, and sometimes it feels like everything is working against us. Adversity can take a significant toll on your faith and make you want to give up. A friendly word or a kind gesture may help you move forward, but sometimes it feels like they are inadequate.
For the seniors, the battle can feel even more challenging because of physical limitations, illnesses, and loneliness. In such times, we need to keep pressing on and continue to fight the good fight.
The bible encourages us to keep pressing on even when things are difficult. In Philippians 3:14, Paul says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” This verse is telling us that we must not be overwhelmed but press on towards the goal we have set for ourselves.
Today, we will be discussing how to overcome the feelings that make us want to give up and how to press on.
Body:
1. Acknowledge the Challenge:
It is essential to acknowledge the challenges that we face each day. It’s okay to ask for help and not to pretend as if everything is okay when it is not. When we recognize our difficulties, we are better equipped to address them. We can pray for strength and seek support from our family, friends, and our church community. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
2. Keep Your Focus:
The second thing we need to do is focus on our goals. We need to be clear on what we are striving for and why we are putting in the effort. Keeping our focus will help us not to be sidetracked by the challenges that come our way. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
3. Practice Gratitude:
Practicing gratitude helps us maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges we may face. We need to be thankful for the blessings we have, like good health, families, friendships, and the gift of life. We must continually thank God for his loving-kindness and mercy to us. Colossians 3:15 encourages us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which, indeed, you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
4. Look Ahead:
Lastly, we must learn to look forward to the future with hope. It doesn’t matter the difficulty that we are presently facing; we can still press on towards a brighter tomorrow. We must maintain our faith that with God, all things are possible. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the road ahead may seem challenging, and you may feel like giving up. But remember, you are not alone. You have a loving God who is willing to walk with you and give you the strength to persevere. So let us acknowledge our challenges, keep our focus, practice gratitude, and look forward to a bright future. Remember, we are pressing on toward our goal in Christ Jesus. Amen.
