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Are You Thinking of Quitting?
It was July of 1967 when I read my first comic book, “Amazing Spiderman #50”.
In this dramatic issue Peter Parker decides to quit being Spiderman. He is struggling with balancing college life, super hero life and his dating life. Peter makes a decision to give up the super hero lifestyle.
Almost immediately there is a dramatic rise in organized crime as the bad guys realize that Spidey is not going to stop them. This in turn gives birth to a new villain in the Marvel Universe, the evil Kingpin. Eventually Peter realizes the error of his ways and recommits himself to his higher calling.
This fictional story written by Stan Lee and illustrated by John Romita reminds me of a famous quote by Edmond Burke.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Proverbs 29:2 says it like this, “When the godly are in authority the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power they groan.”
There have been many times in my life when I thought about quitting. Early on I used to quit every Monday. It was part of my weekly wrestling match with God.
I always had good reasons for quitting:
- The Mom who yelled at me
- My pastor who didn’t seem to appreciate me
- The out of control ADHD kid
- The youth pastor who borrowed my DVD player.
(Am I the only one who has these thoughts?)
The list is endless but the bottom line is this, if you quit, the team gets weaker and evil gets stronger. It may not seem like it, but you are making a difference in people’s lives. Not only kids, but parents, volunteers, leaders and the kingdom of God. What you do is a key part of what makes your church grow.
The Lord sees all those little things that you do that no one else seems to notice.
Don’t give up.
Keep running your race.
Thanks. About 2 minutes ago I told myself to just give up (in general). thanks for the message.
Interesting post to read as I am wrestling with whether I continue in paid Kids Min when I graduate with my teaching degree in 6 months, or whether I teach school for a while. God clearly led me to the course I have studied,but what I do with the degree is in His hands. Thanks for adding to my thinking.
Thank you SO much for this! I needed reminded of this truth this week! Well said.
Well, I am full-time bible school now and really growing and loving it. I’m still the Children’s Pastor even though I had to cut my hours some; but there is so much more to ministry that I would like to check out. I am seeking God, training others, and waiting for his lead.
Sounds like you are in a good place Jeanne.