Finding Courage When All You Want to Do Is Quit

Sometimes, I feel tired.

Sometimes, I feel I’m spinning my wheels and not getting anywhere, and that I’m failing to meet the expectations of others.

Sometimes I feel bogged down in things that need doing, and I feel inadequate to the tasks that loom largest in my life: being a great husband, a great dad and a great pastor.

However—

I always know God’s approval matters more than the approval of others.

I always know He equips those He calls and that I am adequate and can do all things through Him who gives me strength, even when I’m tired.

I always know I am redeemed, forgiven and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And therefore, I know that moving forward in faith is the right, best and wisest thing to do.

Living by what I feel is a deadly choice.

Living by what I know, based on the unchanging truth of Scripture, is a life-giving choice: “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

I know. Do you?

I am sure. Are you? {eoa}

Brandon Cox has been a pastor since he was 19 and has served churches, large and small, including serving as a pastor at Saddleback Church. Currently, he is planting a purpose-driven church in northwest Arkansas. He also serves as editor of pastors.com and Rick Warren’s Pastors’ Toolbox, and authors a top 100 blog for church leaders as well as a blog about men’s issues, a blog about blogging and a blog about social media.

This article originally appeared on brandonacox.com.