What do you do when you feel like quitting?

24_0125 -Ep.352 – Run With Horses Podcast – When You Feel Like Quitting

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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

When You Feel Like Quitting what do you do. Everyone gets beat down occasionally. When you do, how do you handle it?

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

Dealing with Disappointment and Discouragement Biblically

– Or, What to do when you fell like quitting!

I. The Reality of Disappointment and Discouragement

• Opening Quote: “When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.”

• Key Idea: Everyone faces disappointment and discouragement at some point, whether in ministry, relationships, or personal struggles. However, God’s Word gives us perspective on how to face these moments with faith and perseverance.

II. Acknowledge the Reality of Disappointment

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

  • Disappointment is not something we should deny or try to avoid. It’s a reality of life, but God is close to the brokenhearted. He doesn’t leave us in our despair.

  • No one’s life goes like they expect or really want it to. Pain and suffering are a reality.

• Example: David – In many of his psalms, David expressed deep feelings of despair and discouragement, but he also demonstrated turning to God in those times (e.g., Psalm 42).

   

   

III. Recognizing the Call to Persevere

• Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

  • In the midst of discouragement, we must remind ourselves that God’s promises are true. We may not see the fruit immediately, but the reward is coming if we remain faithful.

• Example: Paul – Despite constant opposition, Paul continued in his ministry, reminding others to press on despite the trials (2 Corinthians 4:6-10).

IV. Recalling the Purpose Behind Our Journey

• Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

  • The Apostle Paul, despite his challenges and struggles, kept his eyes on the prize—the call of God in Christ Jesus. Our purpose in Christ should be the motivation to keep going.

• Example: Moses – Leading the Israelites out of Egypt was a long and challenging journey, but Moses remained focused on the ultimate promise of the land of Canaan (Hebrews 11:24-26).

V. God’s Faithfulness in Our Struggles

• Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

  • God’s faithfulness never wavers. Even in moments of discouragement, we are reminded that He is with us, strengthening and helping us through the journey.

• Example: Elijah – After his great victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah faced deep discouragement and wanted to quit. Yet God met him where he was and reassured him that He was still at work (1 Kings 19:1-18).

VI. Trusting God’s Timing and Plan

• Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

  • It’s easy to feel discouraged when the timing doesn’t seem right. But we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, and He is working everything for our good in His sovereign plan.

• Example: Joseph – Joseph’s journey was filled with disappointment and discouragement (betrayal, false accusations, imprisonment), yet God was with him, working through his circumstances for a greater purpose (Genesis 50:19-20).

VII. Focusing on Our Relationship with Jesus

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

  • In our moments of discouragement, Jesus invites us to find rest in Him, knowing that He understands our struggles and that He is with us through them.

• Example: The Disciples in the Storm – When the disciples were in the storm, Jesus was with them, and He calmed the storm. Jesus is with us in our storms (Matthew 14:22-33).

VIII. The Strength to Keep Going Comes from God’s Presence

• Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

  • In our weaknesses, we are reminded that God’s grace and power are enough. It is through our weakness that His strength is made evident.

• Example: Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – Paul dealt with a persistent difficulty (the thorn in his flesh), but he learned to rely on God’s grace, which gave him strength to continue (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

IX. Encouraging One Another in Disappointment

• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

  • Encouragement is a key part of walking through discouragement. God has placed us in community so that we can support one another and remind each other of the hope we have in Christ.

• Example: Barnabas and Paul – Barnabas, known as the “Son of Encouragement,” helped Paul when others were fearful of him, reminding him of God’s calling and purpose in his life (Acts 9:26-27).

X. Conclusion: Pressing On with Hope in Christ

• Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

  • Paul’s words serve as a powerful reminder that despite all the struggles, the end of the journey is worth it. There is a crown of righteousness for those who press on, keeping their eyes on Jesus.

 

– “Thank you for listening today!

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.

May we all be found faithful, ready, and living for eternity. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running.”