This word is submitted by Jo Cotter (Terry2Jo@aol.com)

Don't Give Up

Don't give up. I have better things ahead for you. Keep running the race. Keep your eyes on the prize. No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Don't look back. Don't give in. Don't give up.

When you're tempted to give up because the promise I gave you has not come to fruition, remember Abraham and Sarah. They waited 20 years for the birth of Isaac. I did not fail them, and I will not fail you. Your Isaac will indeed be birthed. Only, don't give up.

When you're tempted to give up on your dream, remember Joseph. He was 17 when he dreamed his dream. How distant that dream became during his 13 years of bondage in Egypt, during the time locked away in Pharaoh's prison, with no hope of release.

I had a plan for Joseph. A plan too glorious for even a dreamer such as he. I did not fail Joseph, and I will not fail you. The plan for your life continues to unfold, even if you cannot see it from the pit of your own prison. Nothing can stop it. I am the Lord. I have spoken it. It will come to pass. Only, do not give up.

I did not forget Daniel in the lion's den; or Esther in the king's palace; or Hannah whose womb was empty; or the three Hebrew boys thrown in to the fiery furnace. I never once took my eyes off Joseph in Pharaoh's prison. I will not take my eyes off you.

Remember my servant Job. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Don't give up, Beloved. Falter. Stumble. Question. Weep. Endure. Occupy. But don't give up.