My friend Nicki Koziarz has written a fabulous guest post for all of us who have a tendency of letting our emotions dictate whether or not to quit something. I wish I could send this blog back in time to my younger self because y’all. For real. I quit so many things when they got hard. So, I think you’ll really appreciate the wisdom Nicki is sharing with us today.
My friend Melissa and I used to work out together. I say used to because, hello, my name is Nicki, and I’ve quit everything.
Anyway, I signed up for this boot camp in one of my I’m-so-desperate-for-change stages. My thighs were getting gigglier, and my muffin top was no longer sucking in, despite all the fancy undergarments I bought.
For the first few weeks boot camp was a really good thing. I felt great after I worked out, my muscles were stronger, my clothes were fitting better, and I had a new circle of friends working toward the same goals.
But like a lot of things I begin, my commitment to boot camp began to waver.
One Thursday morning Buck, our boot camp teacher, was in a pretty bad mood. Normally he was super encouraging, but on this particular morning I felt like he was fed up with me.
He probably was; I would have been fed up with me too.
The last part of our workout that day was these things called planks. Planks are basically putting your entire body weight on your elbows and holding your body up for as long as required. R-i-d-i-c-u-l-o-u-s.
Buck had instructed us to hold our plank for a certain amount of time; I can’t exactly remember what the time limit was. But it was an eternity, I promise.
So in my head I counted the plank out, and Buck counted according to his stopwatch. But for some reason my count and Buck’s count were very different. When I finished the count in my I head, I dropped to the ground. But Buck screamed at me to get back up!
With wide eyes I looked at my friend Melissa who was right beside me and said, “Did he just YELL at me?” She confirmed, “Yep.” Well then.
Well, I did not get back up. In fact, I started crying. I had to excuse myself to the bathroom because the tears just kept on coming. I felt like a mortified wimp.
I know Buck wasn’t trying to humiliate me; he was doing what I paid him to do, push me.
But in that moment, on that day, I just couldn’t take it anymore.
I quit! And I became quite the Quitzilla: furious, fed up, and fast to walk away.
Here I sit almost two years later typing these words, wondering what I would look and feel like today if I hadn’t given up so easily.
But it’s not just workouts I tend to want to give in to the temptation to give up. So before I make that decision to quit, I’m asking myself a few questions to help keep my inner Quitzilla at bay.
1. Are my feelings dictating my commitment?
Whenever I have quit something because I’ve been angry or upset, it’s always led to regret. Keeping my feelings in check has been so helpful!
2. Have I given this decision twenty-four hours?
Taking the time to reflect before we quit something is incredibly important. Twenty-four hours almost always provides another perseverance perspective I desperately need.
3. If I quit, am I reflecting God?
I want to represent God in all things, not just the easy things. So asking myself this question before I quit helps me keep His viewpoint in place.
If you think you might have a Quitzilla in you, or if you just need some encouragement to keep going, I’d love to invite you join Proverbs 31 Ministries for our next Online Bible Study! We’ll be going through my book 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn’t Quit and study the life of a woman who had every right to give up, but didn’t, Ruth.
The Online Bible Studies team is giving away 2 copies of the book to Lysa’s readers! To enter, head here to sign up for the FREE OBS and then leave a comment here on the blog sharing your favorite Bible verse that helps you persevere.
One of my “go to Truths” that help me to persevere is Psalm 28:7 (emphasis added & personalized) – The LORD IS my STRENGTH and my SHIELD. My heart TRUST HIM and I am HELPED by The Very PRESENT Help. This TRUTH does it for the whole of me every single time no matter what I face. #PutTRUTHOnIt
My go to verse is I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. It’s often a struggle to believe that but when I do give it all to God to help me He NEVER fails me.
I was having trouble sleeping thinking about my new job. It’s been one month and I’m struggling a bit with the fast pace, laptop, multiple interruptions and challenging patients. Last night I told my husband I’m thinking I want to quit! I’m 58 years old! This is hard! And I check my email at 4:30 am, and see this message on being a woman who doesn’t quit! Another God moment indeed!
Phillipians 3 14….keep my eye on the prize!!
Great Post- Great Wisdom!! Gal 6:9 Dont grow weary in doing good for in due season you will reap a harvest!!
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13
(I signed up for the study the day it was announced.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isa 40:31)
I can’t wait to start this OBS. I’ve thought the same way I ministry. Giving up is not an option for me, but some days are so hard.
Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
I need this study. There are areas of my life that I need to change. Over and over again I just give up and quit.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7
This post was like a sledge hammer to my head. Good Lord I used to quit EVERYTHING and for the first time in my life, I’m not because I Have to persevere into who God is creating me to do. My favorite scripture that helps me preservere is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
So I’m strengthened by faith in His promises and the work it takes to preservere through trials and make it through the fire. God is only going to mold me if I stop quitting and let Him work.
So here I am, getting out of His way, finally !!!.. Praise God !!
One Bible verse that guides me to persevere is Romans 12:12; Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
With multiple events going on in my life that require me to be patient. It is a good reminder.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
“I can do all things through Christ who stregthens me”
I truly need this study in my life right now. Thank you.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
I am over 60 and I loved my job until just recently. There is a person who is stirring up trouble. I want to love my job again but at my age do I have what it takes to persevere? It would be so easy to retire early, but I am not ready to retire. I like being busy. So I keep repeating Phil. 4:13 in my head All. Day. Long. I think this Bible Study was made for me.
I’m always allowing my feeling to “help” me quit ☹️ I try to remember – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,
Jeremiah 29:11
“Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you WILL reap IF you faint not” …..this scripture has bern used so many times by the Holy Spirit in my life! As a mom/adoptive mom and wife there have been times when weary has sunk in…. but I believe weary is one of our enemies tools. And if we press past it….we will reap a harvest in our lives!!
Thank you for this affirmation in my heart this morning to never quit!
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for our soul firm and secure. Also, Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.
I am 45 years old. My favorite isn’t a verse but a chapter, Psalm 23. My 6th grade public school English teacher had us learn this to recite from memory for a grade. I have never forgotten this chapter. She was an outstanding Christian lady who encouraged her students they were capable of great things. With God in my life I have found that I can endure many hardships that I have been through and will go through again which ends up with me becoming a stronger person each time.
Psalm 23English Standard Version (ESV). (biblegayeway.com)
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord
forever.[g]
Be still and know that I am God !
I tend to quit things out of fear. God has been working on this with me and I look forward to the study to help me get even stronger. My go to verse of late is: Jos 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.” KJV
I am just finishing the Made to Crave devotional. This will be a great next step for me in my journey to honor my body temple and leaving overeating behind.
My go to verse is: seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened, ask and it shall be given into you. This puts the work on me and my actions and thought processes.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Very excited about studying the life of Ruth and her perseverance!
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can’t wait till the study. I really need it in my life to this day because I feel like quitting now.
James 1:2-5 “Dear brothers ans sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for joy. For you know when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.
ISaiah 53;5
But he was wounded for our transgresionHe was brusiedfor our iniquities The chastisment for our peace was upon him and with his stipes we are healed.
Jesus went through all this for me this is true love
My verse to help me perservere is ” I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Luke 1:37 nothing is impossible for God !
When I want to quit I remember this verse and it helps me remember to push and cry out to God for help!
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
When I have trouble wanting to persevere, I remember Jeremiah 29:11. God’s plans for me are GOOD!
When I feel like quitting, I ask for a “new heart”. I say these verses of Psalm 51: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free spirit.
Giving up is so easy for many of us. I sometimes have to dig deep within myself and remember that my goals and dreams are not mine. Rather, they were words from the Lord. Accordingly, I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” As long as I am steadfast in my ways and do not quit, I will see the power and glory of God manifested in my life.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Isaiah 43: Fear not, For I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you.
This is my favorite scripture, because when I am afraid or want to quit because something is hard this scripture reminds me that he is always with us and he will protect us.
Isaiah 40:31- “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.”
Phil 4:13
I’m a Quitzilla, too! Need to read your book!
Psalm 112:7-8a tells me …”her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.Her heart is secure, she will have no fear….” I once read that this means it is impossible to worry and trust at the same time.
Fav verse is Micah 6:8 what does the Lord require of you? To act justly – love mercy – and walk Humbly with your God
Jeremiah 29:11
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I need this book!!
Jeremiah 29:11 because there is a plan for my life and I don’t have to be in charge of it!
Romans 12:2 because this world ultimately is not where I belong and so I don’t need to try and fit into its patterns!
The scripture that has helped me persevere:
Psalm 18:29-30
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Thankful for your ministry,
Laura
I don’t have a verse I go to and that is exactly why I need to do this study!
Struggled with things not being seen through..be it because of family commitment or just easier to quit..My scripture to help me when faced with a daunting task? Phil 4:13…
Of course Phil 4:13 is one of my go-to verses, but also 2 Timothy 1:7. I love keeping this one taped around in different translations:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ESV
For God has not given us a spirit[a] of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. HCSB
This article came at a divine moment for me! Thank you!
This verse I just recently scripted out and it’s been stuck with me but it’s definitely one I know I will use to help me overcome any negative thoughts in the future.
She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25
Absolutely love this! the devotional, your scripture! I am 63 and feel weary, worn out and wimpy 90% of the time and I know God has not given up on me or rolls His eyes in despair of me ever “getting with the program”.
I am blessed and encouraged today! Thank you SO much!
Great devotional! The verse that helps me when I want to quit is “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
Living with my in-laws, co-parenting with my stepson’s mom, managing a busy medical practice- lots of reasons to call on His strength!
Ephesians 3:14-21
Regarding Quitzilla, one verse that has been a frequent reminder to me as I’ve been involved in a Deaf Ministry is Philippians 1:4-6. He, God, who has begun a good work in me will bring it to completion. Often through the 38 years of the Deaf Ministry when there have been lean years of growth of number of members and their maturity, I’ve thought this is God say work is complete. And yet, God’s provision continues to keep the Deaf Ministry stable and ongoing. The lesson for me in applying the verse is that God will bring it to completion. My thoughts and feelings should be guided by that promise.
Now unto HIM who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…
Eph. 3:20-21
Life has been so full and busy. I feel like quitting. This message really help me to take a breath and look at why I am so overwhelmed. Looking forward to the next study
Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Although I repeat this over and over, I seem to quit and fear ultimately what is ahead.
My favorite verse is Galatians 6:9.
And let us not grow weary in while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Only He can make me strong enough!!
“Jesus wept.” it reminds me that he was real. Just like us.
Hebrews 12:1-3
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful because He cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
He is constant and not moved by my inconsistencies. I can rest in his immovable, steadfast character.
I am also a chronic quitter. Next time, I’m going to remind myself that God doesn’t quit on me! “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Romans 5:3-4 “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Mark 5:36
Jesus said to him, “Do not be afraid, only believe.”
This verse reminds me that everything I face is for the purpose of strengthening my faith and relationship with Christ. Everything good, difficult, heartbreaking, or joyous is allowed in my life so that I can glorify God. This truth helps silence my Quitzilla.
My favorite go to verses are Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 37: 4-5.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 37: 4-5: Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
My go to verse has been “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 I am trying to give thanks and rejoice in the middle of a very big mess I made in my life. Can’t quit now…I need to rely on Him to help me face my mistakes and move on.
My favorite is Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
I say this over and over in my head whenever I get down or scared.
I am so excited for this study! I am 39 years old, with three kids, and am going back to school to be a nurse. I fight feelings of wanting to quit almost hourly!
I have written those three questions to post on my mirror with this verse:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I am so glad and excited for this new bible study. I am very sure lots of people including myself will learn a lot from this. One of my favorite bible verses I remind myself when things get rough and hard is, “But he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9 -10).
This Bible verse keeps me assured that even though it’s hard now, I am weak now, I feel like quitting now, I serve a God who is the strongest when I am weak and his grace is sufficient and enough for me. Hallelujah!!!
Philippians 4:13,I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
My go to verse right now is Isaiah 41:10…do not fear..for I am with you..do not look anxiously about you..for I am the Lord your God…I will strengthen you and help you..I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. This is beautiful..just beautiful to me and has and still is getting me through a tough time. Thank you Lord you for your promises!!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13
God’s got me-I have to remember to rely on him and not my own measly strength.
Phil 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.8.niv
I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!
I could certainly use the encouragement to not be a quitter. As a widow, living alone, it’s easy for me to give up on things, not having someone here at home to be accountable to. 2Tim 4:7 has been a favorite verse for me. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith…therefore….
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.””
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
This verse was a constant encouragement that got me through the difficult times during nursing school. Glory to God for His word and faithfulness!
This is my first attempt doing an online Bible Study. This is the verse that immediately came to me when I had reservations of whether or not I could do this!!
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”
Philippians 4:13
I always go to Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
My favorite verse is 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a self-discipline.
I find a majority of times I quit due to fear. Fear of failing or looking like I don’t know what I am doing. This verse reminds me that the fear I am feeling is not from God. I can be self disciplined and consistent with his help!
My favorite verse is:
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 NLT
God is within her. She will not fall. Psalm 46:5
I love this blog! I easily throw the towel in under pressure!! Thank you for sharing I look forward to the study! I love the very well known. “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!” Truly my strength comes from He alone!!!
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ❤️
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
Zephaniah 3:17 ❤
2 Timothy 1:7 encourages me to persevere and to use wisdom whenever I want to give up. He gives me the power and the wisdom to make the best decision. He also gives me love to be patient and kind when I don’t feel it.
My Favorite Scripture to keep me going is Phil 4:13
I Can DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME!!
Looking forward to the study. Convicting verses for me are: Psalm 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together. Also, Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
I like “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
When I am ready to give up or don’t know what to do this is the verse I go to…
“Tell me what to do, O Lord, and make it plain.” Psalm 27:11
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
Philippians 4:6-7
When I feel forgotten in my pain and struggle:
“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.; I will heal u
You.”
2 Kings 20:5
For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Hello,
When things get tough I think of Isaiah 40:31:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Be patient and keep praying!
Liana
I haven’t found one yet.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
2 Timothy 1:7! For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
My life scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
I appreciate these questions, and hope to remember them next time something is just too hard to do! A verse that might fit here (and is easy to remember — short and sweet, but not easy) is II Cor 5:9b – “…so we make it our goal to please Him.”
Thank you for sharing Nicki’s excellent commentary.
I have been feeling the Holy Spirit prompting me to start a small group at my church centered around food addiction and how’s Satan uses it to distract us from what God has for us to be doing. I’m praying for leading and courage and opportunity in this area. I don’t want to be a quitter before I ever begin……my verse today…
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13
I would absolutely love to win this book and be able to work with a huge group of women on this issue. I have been struggling for the past year with being consistent on working out and eating correctly. I haven’t permanently thrown in the towel, and I don’t plan to either, but this would definitely help me keep me in check. I really needed this today!
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
My verse is Proverbs 3:5-7 it always brings me to ask myself if I’m trusting God or if I’m trying to do everything in my own strength. I’m glad I was able to read this post today cause lately I’v e really been struggling to find a reason to stay in college.
Wow I need this Bible study for sure. I give up on thing all the time. Thank you for the invite. Looking forward to the study.
I actually don’t have a Bible verse that I use to help me perserve …. I need to find one 🙂 Maybe that is part of the reason that I always quit I’ll be looking through all the comments to help me choose one 🙂
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
This verse kept me going many times during some very tough years raising and homeschooling 5 children, two of whom have special needs. There were many days I wanted to quit, but by God’s grace I made it through those years!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Truly God cares about his own people. He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber…(Psalm 121:3)
1Tim 2:7 (God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind/self-discipline) It isn’t usually used about perseverance, but it’s one that God has used in my life a lot of times to help me focus on not fearing something (which is often why we quit). And it also provides for the sound mind thinking that is described above (for ways to make the decision about whether quitting is the right thing).
Thanks for the beautiful comments left for this post. Brothers and sisters in Christ should encourage each other, and lift up God’s name always.
My favourite Bible verse on perseverance is Philippians 1:6 – ‘being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’
Whenever I feel as if ‘I can’t’ then these words remind me to be still and know that ‘He will.’
Colossians 3:23-24; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
I love this verse. It helps me throughout my day when aggravations show up, I think about this verse and changes my perspective who I am living for and working for.
Romans 8:1,2
Reminds me everyday!
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
My favorite verse of encouragement is 2Timothy 1:7
For the Lord has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (self-control)