Besides Blue Bunny Peanut Butter Panic ice cream, I mean. (Amazing, the taste. Terrifying, the calorie info on the back of the container. That’s what black markers are for, I guess.)
Seriously. What’s amazing and terrifying to me all at once: The thought of someone knowing every single minute detail of my life. Every thought in my head. Every knotted ribbon of emotion. Everything.
Which is why when I get to verses like 1 Corinthians 1:9, I sometimes just want to go, Really?!
God, who truly does know everything about me, who sees it all, who has more reason than anybody to give up on me…won’t.
Nor will he ever give up on you.
Is that incredible or what?
In fact, let’s get the full picture of this section in 1 Corinthians. I’m using The Message paraphrase here:
Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.
Everything, every spiritual gift we need to pursue Christ–and thus, pursue life–we’ve got it.
I think that’s why God never gives up on us. Not because we’re all that necessarily, well, awesome…but because He is. And with Him, we’ll make it.
To our dreams.
To His purpose.
To the life he died to give us.
To Him.
What do these verses say to you? Are you ever tempted to give up in any area of your life? How does it change things to know God will never give up on you?
Comments 23
Man, I swear God is talking to me loud & clear through blog posts today!
Thanks for this!
~ Wendy
Glad it hit ya where you needed it. 🙂 I’ve had a day like that recently where I kept getting the same message everywhere I went. 🙂
There is no comfort like knowing God knows us so intimately. I’d probably feel like I was reading the back of the ice cream box every day if He didn’t! LOL
Excellent post, Tagg! Have a great weekend. Also, I’ve never had BB peanut Butter Panic ice cream. Sounds delish!
Oh my goodness… best. ice cream. ever!!!
I have one area of my life where I lost my hope and had a resigned feeling. Recently I had an attitude adjustment. I mean I didn’t give up while pursuing publication, so why would I think God was giving up on us in this particular situation. He is a God of Hope who acts as the foundation of the iceberg while we see only the tip of what’s happening. Thanks for a great reminder that He never gives up.
Yay for the attitude adjustment, Lisa. It’s so helpful when we can look back and be reminded of how God came through for us in past situations…so we can trust Him in the current ones!
Knowing God won’t give up on me is the ultimate comfort. ‘Cause I”m sure I’m not done messing up and will need Him every step of the way.
Hehehe…yeah, if there’s anything we can count on, besides God’s awesomeness, it’s the fact that we’ll never be perfect. 🙂
Oh yeah, that’s a feeling I constantly have to battle. Some days giving up seems sooooo much easier than pushing through, and so much less scarier, at least on the surface. When I start to think of everything I’d miss — like His plan for me — I (typically:) ) decided to keep moving. I love that verse in The Message translation – thanks for sharing it.
You’re welcome. As soon as I read it, I knew there was a blog post there. The funny thing is, without even realizing it, today I’m wearing a “never give up” bracelet…totally unintentional. 🙂
Yeah, I like this post! I think it’s awesome that God not only doesn’t give up on us, but He makes it clear each and every time WE want to give up that He not only loves us but He’s going to help us keep going. Thanks for this post!
Yes! And I just love that he promises to finish what he starts. He’s not going to give up on us, he’s not going to force us to go it alone…love it!
Thanks for the inspirational post today, Melissa. We all know His promises, but sometimes our mind gets caught in the world and the doubts sink in. I’m so glad He knows us inside and out. Lately, when I walk through a valley of doubt or something similar, I ask Him to kick that demon off of my shoulder. Never fails, within a few seconds, I know He is with me. Doubt demon gone! Love it!
Ooh, I like that. I might have to steal that prayer… 🙂
Mmmm, good stuff, Mel. (And no, I’m not talking about the ice cream, but then again, I’ve never tried that flavor…)
But seriously, God rocks. I tend to worry about the future and get discouraged by the valleys…but there is always a mountain to look to. And God is there. I wanna keep my eyes focused there and not on the stuff around me. A lot of times I’m the one that got myself down in that valley in the first place!
You must try it, Linds. Soooo good. Can you buy Blue Bunny ice cream down where you live? Hmm…you may need to come visit me in Iowa!
We do have Blue Bunny. But I’d love an excuse to come visit!
Every once in a while I nearly give up on novel writing, but then find I can’t quite let it go. And God gives bits of encouragement along the way. He’s the one who helps us improve our skills and opens the right doors at the right times. Thanks, Melissa.
Never give up, Dee!! Your writing is so beautiful and lyrical…I can’t wait to read your novel someday. And you’re so right…God is the one who takes us to the next level in our writing and opens all the doors… 🙂
That verse gives me emotional and spiritual breathing space, Melissa.
That’s a good way to put it, Beth!
This reminds me of a Rebecca St. James’ song – and Psalm 139. “You search me and you know me…” I’m always amazed that God chose me, even when He knows every thought, every word, every action I’ve ever taken – and more than that, He chooses to never give up on me. I’m humbled by His grace.
Oh, I know that song! Love Psalm 139, too. 🙂