Click on the picture to return to the menu
"I give up!" That's what people often say, with a sigh, when faced with a particularly difficult situation (or asked to guess an answer to something). Some unhappy folk "give up" on life. They want to shut themselves away from their, or the world's, problems, and may even commit suicide. That is WRONG! The life of each one of us is a gift, but it is not for us to say when it will end. Believe in God and pray to Him about your concerns. I have been depressed on many occasions, but my heavenly Father has always restored hope and joy to me. Romans chapter 12 verse 12 says "Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times".
Jesus did not give up when He was on earth. In John chapter 5 verse 17 He says "My Father is always working, and I too must work". He was always busy - healing the sick, feeding crowds, encouraging His disciples, and teaching in the synagogue or in the open air. Apart from when He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (prophesied in the Old Testament book Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9), He walked EVERYWHERE. He got tired and hungry, as we do. But then, on that first Good Friday, He GAVE UP His own life, and willingly, so that all who believe in Him can have their sins forgiven, because He took their punishment, and can join the resurrected Lord in heaven when their bodies die. People are given a perfect, everlasting body in heaven. Jesus paid the full price for sin on the Cross. It was God's plan, so that He could raise His Son on the third day.
Are you thinking of giving up on something or someone? Take heart from the comforting words of Romans chapter 15 verse 13: "May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in Him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit". Jesus Himself said "Ask and you will receive..." (see Matthew chapter 6).
