Tempted to Give Up?

All of us face moments in life that seem to have the power to undo everything and destroy us. In those moments we may be tempted to give up. Don't!

Oct 03, 2024

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Life can be discouraging at times. A wise man once told me this during a particularly discouraging time: “Son, don’t quit when life is tough. You don’t throw your ticket away just because the train goes through a dark tunnel!” I still remember that today. And yet, there are dark times when the temptation to give up is powerful!

In fact, during those times, the inner voice seems to be saying, “You really blew it. You trusted the wrong people. You depended on God, and He let you down. You’ve been a real fool!” Yeah, I’ve heard those words in my own heart. But every time I hear those words, I remember that it’s always too early to give up! My story isn’t over!

I seem to have to repeatedly learn that lesson. But, let’s face it, it’s better to keep relearning it than live in the despair of failure with no redeeming wisdom.

It’s also crucial to recognize that times of doubt are bound to come in the face of crisis and pressure. We get afraid, and fear intoxicates our minds and hearts, hiding the light of hope.

So, it is both unsurprising and temporary. But how do we remember this when the challenge comes? How do we push past wanting to give up?

Look at our lesson today in Luke 7:17-30:

At that time, a report concerning Jesus spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. The disciples of John told him of all these things. And John, calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.”
When the messengers of John had gone, he began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” When they heard this all the people and the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John; but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

It was completely understandable. St. John the Baptizer was in jail and he knew he was going to die. The king was going to give his head to a young girl because her vindictive mother wanted John dead! And, at the end of his life, this hero of faith, this last of the Old Testament Prophets, was wondering whether he missed something.

So, he has his disciples ask Jesus, “Are you the One, or should we look for another?”

The way Jesus answers these men who are about to see their teacher die shows such loving compassion and wisdom. He doesn’t scold them, correct them, or disappoint them.

He directs them to reality.

He tells them to tell John what they’ve seen and heard. They witnessed Him healing the sick and teaching the people about the Kingdom of God. Tell John that the blind (both physical and spiritual) see; tell John that the lame (both physical and spiritual) walk; the lepers (both spiritual and physical) are cleansed; the deaf (both physical and spiritual) hear, and the poor (both physical and spiritual) have Good News preached to them!

Perfect! Just say what you saw and heard! When you face moments of doubt, the key is the attentiveness of reality and remembering God’s faithfulness in your life. The “feeling” of doubt always melts away in the face of our focused attention on Christ and His consistent love for us throughout our lives. God isn’t hiding IF you keep seeking Him! But we must live that life of attention to Christ to stay faithful to him.

Then, the Lord ensures the people know who is about to die for his integrity and prophetic ministry. St. John was a prophet indeed, but even as great as he was, the least in the Kingdom was greater than he. This is because John dies before the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

But John doesn’t miss it because the Lord goes to where John is and confirms everything John ever preached! I would have loved to see that reunion between the Lord and St. John after the Resurrection!

St. Dionysios the Areopagite was a well-respected and well-educated member of the judicial court that met on Mars Hill in Athens. In Greek, this place is Aeros Pagos. That’s why he was called “the Areopagite. He heard St. Paul’s famous sermon there, recorded in Acts 17. He became a believer in Christ after hearing St. Paul and then became the second bishop of Athens. His learning and reputation as a wise man earned the respect of the people of Athens, and many came to Christ during his ministry. He was present at the Dormition of the Theotokos and parts of the hymns that we sing on that featsday are taken from his records of the event! His wise and sober ministry exemplified the spirit of humility, patience, and love. He lived so faithful to Christ that those around him didn’t need to be corrected, but his holy life drew them away from “the speck in” their own eyes. He died a martyr’s death in 96 AD. Today, we are enjoying the “fruits” of this great hero’s life!