Thinking About Quitting

Do you feel like quitting? Maybe so. But realize, quitting is not about how you feel, it's about how you think.

What gets into your head that makes you want to quit? Discouraging voices? Criticism? Insecurity? A lack of appreciation? 

On the night Jesus was betrayed, he had a meal with his Apostles. The Bible says there were a lot of things in his head. Look at what he knew.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,

John 13:1-3

How would you feel if:

• You knew that you were about to be betrayed?
• You knew that one of your men was making a deal with the devil?
• You knew that you were about to die? 

I sure wouldn't be washing feet! I'd rather quit! 

But quitting is not about how you feel; it's about how you think. 

When things get in your head that make you want to quit, get some stuff into your head that makes you want to continue.

Here's what Jesus also knew.

1. He knew WHEN he was. Yes, Jesus knew that Judas was making a deal with the devil. But, Jesus also knew that the pain of the next 24 hours paled in comparison to what he would accomplish for eternity. Temporary is never worth eternity. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 8:18. Let that get into your head.
2. He knew WHO he was. John 13:3 says that Jesus knew that he came from God and was going back to God. No matter how Judas treated him, how they falsely accused him, or how they cursed him, none of it changed who Jesus was. We don't do what we do because of who THEY are. We do what we do because of who HE is. Let that get into your head.
3. He knew WHY he was. Verse 3 says that the Father had given all things into his hands. What Jesus was experiencing was discouraging, but he knew it is what God had for him. And we can be sure that when we suffer, it is not because God has betrayed us, but it is what God has for us. You may not know why you are suffering, but God does. And we can take comfort knowing that He has a greater purpose (Rom. 8:28) than any of the discouraging explanations that get into your head. 

Despite all that was in his head, Jesus washed the apostle's feet (John 13:4-20). Quitting is not about how you feel. It's about how you think. Let that get into your head.

Bible Study

Read John 13:31-35. Jesus gives His apostles a new commandment after Judas leaves the room to betray Jesus.

• How is Jesus going to be glorified? Remember what is about to happen in the story. If you need to, scan the next few pages in John to find out.
• What is the command to be obeyed?
• If Jesus gives us this command in light of his betrayal and coming suffering, what principle can we apply to the experience of suffering while loving our enemies?

Challenge

Write a statement of forgiveness to someone who has hurt you - but don't send it! Pray through it. Do you really mean what you say? Ask God if you have said enough or maybe even too much? Could you send it? Would it be beneficial to send? Pray for your enemies, but pray for yourself and your love for those who have caused you to suffer. Ask God to help you resolve bitterness and unforgiveness. Keep your statement out for at least 30 days. See how it changes as you pray through it.