When You Want to Give Up

When You Want to Give Up

Scripture References

• Revelation 3
• Acts 20:24

Overview

We all start projects, relationships, ministries, or goals with excitement, yet many of us hit resistance and feel like quitting. Today’s final message in the “Pre-Decide” series calls us to settle the issue before the pressure hits: “When I commit, I don’t quit—​I am a finisher.” Drawing on Paul’s farewell to Timothy, Jesus’ warning to the church in Sardis, and Paul’s own life mission in Acts 20:24, the sermon shows why perseverance—​not talent, intelligence, or opportunity—​separates the fulfilled from the frustrated.

Main Points

Easy to Start, Rare to Finish

• Enthusiasm is common; endurance is rare (Angela Duckworth, “grit”).
• Intelligence, appearance, education, or connections are not the divider—​perseverance is.
• Natural drift: we choose the path of least resistance unless we pre-decide otherwise.

Pre-Decide: “When I Commit, I Don’t Quit”

• Series review: I am Ready, Consistent, Devoted, Generous, Faithful, and a Finisher.
• Congregational declaration:

  “When I commit, I don’t quit—​I am a finisher.”

Paul’s Example of Finishing

• Written from a Roman sewer-like dungeon awaiting beheading, Paul urges Timothy to “carry out the ministry fully.”
• He looks back: “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, remained faithful.”
• Application: If you’re not dead, you’re not done—​God still has assignments, love, ministries, and breakthroughs ahead.

Unfinished Business

• Jesus to Sardis (Revelation 3): “I have found your deeds unfinished.”
• Question for prayer: What has God prompted that I started but never finished?
  Restore a relationship, share Christ, give, complete a degree, launch a ministry, lose weight, apologize, join a group, serve, etc.
• Paul to the Corinthians: “It would be good for you to finish what you started.”

Every Decision Is a Vote

• Quitting tells yourself, “I don’t have what it takes.”
• Finishing votes, “I’m a finisher, empowered by God.”

• Story: Coach drives 90 minutes to confront Craig after a tennis meltdown—​“Today you decide what kind of person you are.” That confrontation birthed a lifelong resolve never to quit.

How to Finish the Race

1. Run for God, not self (Acts 20:24): “I consider my life worth nothing… my only aim is to finish the race.”
2. Take the next step—​you don’t have to finish today, just move forward today.
3. Depend on the Father’s strength.
   • Illustration: 1992 Barcelona Olympics—​Derek Redmond’s father carries him across the line; when we can’t go on, our Father carries us.
4. Remove “quit” as an option—​covenant mindset in marriage, ministry, and calling.

Key Truths

• Perseverance, not potential, determines whether we fulfill God’s assignments.
• God still has work for every living believer: “If you’re not dead, you’re not done.”
• Unfinished obedience is disobedience; identify and complete your unfinished deeds.
• We never run alone—​the God who began the work will complete it.
• Pre-deciding to finish transforms stressful overload into focused faithfulness.

Response

• Identify your unfinished assignment in prayer this week.
• Declare daily: “When I commit, I don’t quit—​I am a finisher.”
• Take one measurable next step toward completing what God prompted.
• Ask a trusted friend or mentor to hold you accountable for finishing.
• Lean on God’s strength through Scripture and prayer each time you feel like quitting.

Closing

Finishing is not about our comfort, net worth, or reputation; it’s about honoring the One who authored our race. The devil will urge you to quit, but disciples of Jesus echo their Lord: “It is finished.” You may struggle, but you will not quit—​because the Finisher of your faith lives in you.

“When I commit, I don’t quit—​I am a finisher.”

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, I surrender to You.
Jesus, forgive my sins, save me, be my Savior and Lord.
Help me start following You, doing Your will, showing Your love.
My life is not mine; I give it all to You.
Thank You for new life—​I give You mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Resources

• Angela Duckworth, “Grit”
• David Allen, “Getting Things Done”