It’s official; the year 2015 has been written and is forever recorded in the annals of time. During 2015 there were many good things and many bad things that have taken place. Most seem to focus on the bad because it seems the bad things have had significant impacts on those concerned. The bad is rehearsed over and over in the minds of the hurting causing feelings of depression, weariness and hopelessness. This is going on even while there are a number of good things that have also taken place.

It is true that the hurts and disappointments of life have lingering effects. Consider, for instance, the loss of a job. The impacts of such a loss are reciprocal. Or, perhaps, jobs applied for were met with the resounding sound of “no” despite being well qualified. It could also be that present jobs just do not suffice. And, the matter of the work force is not the only matter of concern. What about those of us who have lost loved ones through death? What about that unwanted and undeserved divorce? The list of hurts and disappointments goes on and on causing melancholy to be the order of the day. But, don’t despair. Don’t give in and don’t you dare quit.

It is common for people to look to new years as the beginning of new things in their lives. Often new ventures are sought and new ideas are implemented. And, while there is nothing wrong with the new there is much to be said for the things already in existence. For instance, those that have take time to further their educations might find it difficult to lose earned degrees. Those having vocational skills might never forget how to do manual labour. And, these are good things. These things are good and have been placed in individuals not only for their own well-being but also for the good of those served. It is suspected there are good things in you as well. Don’t you give up on those things in you. Soon room will be made for the gifts God has been developing in you for years. No, don’t you give in and don’t you dare quit.

The fact that you have soaked your pillow with tears only means that you have been broken. Do you not realize that God uses the brokenness of one man to bring healing in another? This brokenness means that God has not ignored you; instead it means that God loves you and has enveloped you with His compassion. Now, that compassion that has been born in you can be used to bring another into the loving arms of Jesus. Your brokenness is really a source of strength to stand in the face of things that have sought to, well; break you. It did not work. You are still here. So, don’t you dare quit. No, don’t do it.

It has been difficult and it has been hard. Suicide, however, is not the answer. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God did not make a mistake even though your parents may have. Your life is more than worth living. Don’t let the discouragements and hurts of this world cause you to miss out on what God has for you. No, it will not be easy in 2016 – it will be worth the struggle. You are beautiful and are a child of God. Don’t cheat yourself of the victories God has stored for you just because of past hard times. No, don’t you dare quit on yourself and don’t you dare quit on God.

Some of the people in the Church at Philippi began to get discouraged. Paul realized this and sought to remind the people that God was not finished with them. His words in Philippians 1:6 make God’s intentions very clear. The words, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” give credence that while God may do a new thing He will not forsake that things already in you. This is to say, the old brokenness can be renewed to minister to someone unable to see their way. Learning had in years past can be used to build confidence in someone today. Yes, God has begun a good work in you therefore you must not quit. God is faithful concerning His promises. Therefore, if the promise has not yet been manifested there is great need to push forward and work toward the promise of a faithful and just God.

No, don’t you dare quit this year. Don’t put your head in the sand hoping that it will all go away. No, don’t do it. Keep on moving. Keep on pushing. Keep on trusting in the God of your salvation. God is not finished with what He started in you. You will succeed. You will accomplish that mission. You will be what God has called you to be. Remember that faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things of not seen. Just don’t give up and you had better not give in. God is far from finished with you so don’t you dare quit!