I CAN NOT GIVE UP NOW

Title: I CANNOT GIVE UP NOW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 6:9 
Supporting Texts:  Isaiah 40:29-31, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 3:13-14 

INTRODUCTION 
Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and moments where we feel like giving up. However, as believers, we are encouraged to press on in faith. The journey may be difficult, but God has promised us strength for the race. He has also assured us that our efforts in Him will not be in vain. In this sermon, we will examine why we must not give up, despite the obstacles, and how God empowers us to keep moving forward.

1. THERE IS A REWARD FOR YOUR LABOUR 
We often grow weary when we feel our efforts are unnoticed or unfruitful. However, the Bible assures us that God is not unjust to forget our work (Hebrews 6:10). Everything we do in the Lord is seen by Him, and there is a reward in due time.

a) The Promise of a Harvest 
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good because, in due season, we will reap if we don’t give up. Every seed of faith, prayer, service, and sacrifice will eventually bear fruit if we persist in doing what is right.

b) The Example of Job
Job experienced intense suffering, but he refused to give up. In the end, God restored everything he had lost and gave him double blessings (Job 42:10). Job’s perseverance in faith is a reminder that even when we don’t understand why we are suffering, we can trust God to bring restoration.

2. GOD GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY
One of the reasons people give up is due to exhaustion—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Yet, God promises to renew the strength of those who wait upon Him.

a) Renewed Strength for the Journey 
Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us that God gives power to the faint and increases strength to those who have no might. Even when we feel drained, we can draw from God’s inexhaustible supply of strength. We may stumble, but with God’s help, we can rise again and continue.

b) The Apostle Paul’s Perseverance
Paul endured numerous hardships, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). Despite all this, he declared in Philippians 3:13-14 that he pressed toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God. Paul’s life is an example of how we can press on despite adversity because God strengthens us for the journey.

3. LOOK TO JESUS AS YOUR SOURCE OF ENDURANCE 
We are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1-2 to run our race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He is our ultimate example of perseverance.

a) Jesus Did Not Give Up on Us
Even though Jesus faced rejection, pain, and death, He did not give up. He knew the purpose of His suffering and was willing to endure it for our sake. Just as Jesus pressed on through His trials, we are called to persevere in our own trials, trusting in God’s plan.

b) The Joy Set Before Us 
Just as Jesus endured for the joy set before Him, we must remember that there is a greater joy awaiting us. Heaven is our ultimate goal, and the trials of this life pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17). This perspective empowers us to endure hardships, knowing they are temporary.

4. FORGET THE PAST AND PRESS ON TOWARD THE FUTURE 
Many people give up because they are trapped in the failures or pain of the past. Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:13-14 to forget what is behind and press on toward what lies ahead.

a) Don’t Let Past Mistakes Hold You Back
The enemy often tries to discourage us by reminding us of our past failures. But the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). God has already forgiven and forgotten our past sins. We are called to move forward in His grace.

b) Pressing Toward the Goal 
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, we are to fix our eyes on the goal—the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This forward-looking mindset helps us overcome discouragement and remain focused on what God has in store for our future.

5. THE ENEMY WANTS YOU TO GIVE UP, BUT GOD WANTS YOU TO PRESS ON 
Satan’s primary goal is to cause believers to lose heart and abandon their faith. But God has given us spiritual armor to resist the devil and stand firm in the face of trials.

a) Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance 
Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the schemes of the devil. The enemy will try to discourage us, but with the Word of God, prayer, and faith, we can resist his attacks and continue in the race.

b) Victory Belongs to Those Who Endure 
James 1:12 promises a crown of life to those who persevere under trial. The challenges we face are temporary, but the reward for enduring is eternal. We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from a place of victory in Christ, who has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

CONCLUSION 
As believers, we are not called to give up but to press on, trusting in God’s strength and faithfulness. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, we have the assurance that God is with us, strengthening us for the race. Keep your eyes on the goal, fix your gaze on Jesus, and remember that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. You cannot give up now—God is preparing a glorious reward for those who persevere.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, strengthen me to keep running the race You have set before me. 

2. Lord, help me to fix my eyes on Jesus and not grow weary in doing good. 

3. I receive fresh grace to overcome every obstacle in my path. 

4. Father, I reject the spirit of discouragement and declare that I will not give up. 

5. Lord, empower me with endurance to press through trials and challenges. 

6. I receive strength from the Holy Spirit to finish my race well. 

7. Father, help me to forget past failures and press on to future victories. 

8. Lord, give me the grace to wait on You for renewed strength in every season of life. 

9. I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper, and I will complete my assignment. 

10. Father, help me to stand firm in faith, knowing that my reward is sure.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that you will not give up; you will press on and finish your race with joy. 

2. The strength of the Lord is rising within you, and you will soar on wings like eagles. 

3. I declare that every discouragement and weariness in your life is broken in Jesus’ name. 

4. You are an overcomer, and no trial will defeat you. 

5. I prophesy that God is preparing a season of harvest for every seed you’ve sown in faith. 

6. You will not be held back by the past; your future is bright, and you will press forward. 

7. I declare that the enemy’s plans to cause you to give up are nullified by the blood of Jesus. 

8. You are running with perseverance, and nothing will hinder you from reaching your goal. 

9. I prophesy that you will receive double for every trouble you’ve faced in this season. 

10. I declare that your testimony is coming, and you will rejoice in the victory God has prepared for you.