Never Give Up

Read 1 Kings 19: 1-9

When Ahab told Queen Jezebel what Elijah had done, and that he had slaughtered the prophets of Baal, she sent this message to Elijah: "You killed my prophets, and now I swear by the gods that I am going to kill you by this time tomorrow night."

So Elijah fled for his life; he went to Beersheba, a city of Judah, and left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day, and sat down under a broom bush and prayed that he might die.

1 Kings 19: 1-4 (TLB)

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. James 1:2-3 (TLB)

Paulo Fernando Goncalves de Moura lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Paulo has a guava tree in his garden that bears tasty fruit every year. In addition to fruit, this tree produces shade and attracts birds. After a strong windstorm last summer, the guava tree fell. Paulo was reluctant to cut it because it was supported by the structure of the garage and continued to bear fruit. After a year Paulo reconsidered cutting it down, but he noticed several new shoots emerging from the root of the mother tree. It was regenerating!

Paulo was impressed with the perseverance of this tree. He started to question whether he is as determined when he faces challenges. Paulo is living in a period of great financial difficulty and is unemployed. He has already thought about leaving everything and has asked God to take him - similar to the prophet Elijah's request when he was threatened by Jezebel.

But his guava tree has taught Paulo never to give up fighting. It has taught him to trust in the rebuilding that will come from God at the right time.

Prayer: Faithful God, help us never to give up fighting because we know that in your timing everything will be made right, in Jesus' name. Amen.