Julie Fillinger

Giving up too soon  

Why do I give up too soon? I listen to the lies of the enemy instead of believing God is who He says He is and will do what He promises. Or I rely on my own strength instead of leaning on the almighty arm of God. I get discouraged if God is not working in the time frame I think He should. Or the outcome is different from what I imagined. I’m talking about real hurts and painful losses that I cannot fathom could be a part of God’s sovereign plan. Ultimately, I give up too soon when I take my eyes off Jesus and believe the lie that the Glory that awaits is not worth what I must endure. 
 

Finding God bigger  

I teach a ladies Bible study at my church. Last year we studied the book of Romans by using In View of God’s Mercies by Courtney Doctor. It is a Lifeway study that made me feel like I was studying Romans for the first time. My pastor told me this was because every year we grow, we find God bigger. And then he quoted our mutual friend C. S. Lewis from Prince Caspian : 
“Aslan”, said Lucy. “You’re bigger.” 
“That is because you are older, little one,” answered he. 
“Not because you are?” 
“I am not, but every year you grow, you will find me bigger.” 
 
I found God bigger all throughout the study, but especially in chapter 5 of Romans. Paul has made the case in the first four chapters that our right standing with God is solely on the basis of God’s character not ours. Now in Romans 5 he wants to encourage us with Peace with God, Access to His Throne of Grace, and the Hope of Glory. 

But he quickly goes on to say we also rejoice in our sufferings. 

Suffering has a purpose  

What? I don’t think so, Paul. I have suffered and I’m not rejoicing in it. And yet, even as I write these words, the Holy Spirit is faithful to remind me of all my Lord suffered so that I could be justified and declared right before God. And Paul knows a little about suffering also. So I can pay attention when he lays out under divine inspiration over the next couple of verses the step by step process of transformation. 
 
Suffering has a purpose because it produces endurance. I have to admit, endurance could be a good thing in my life. Endurance produces character. I know I should be excited about greater character, but honestly it’s not worth the suffering to me. This is when I get discouraged and I’m tempted to give up. But God, in His faithfulness, won’t let me. I want to let go, but He holds me in His firm grip. And by His Spirit, He shows me that if I don’t give up too soon, character produces Hope.  
 

Making the case   

Before Paul articulates the transformative process that leads to unshakable Hope in Romans 5, he started making the case in chapter 4, using our faith father Abraham as an example. If we back up just a bit to Romans 4:18-21, we see Abraham, in hope, believed against hope that he would become the father of many nations. Abraham and Sarah were barren and their bodies as good as dead, and yet Paul says his faith did not weaken. He goes on to say no unbelief made him waiver concerning this promise of God. 
I have to pause here and question Paul for a minute. Genesis 12- 25 cover the incredible story of our forefather Abraham -from God calling him all the way through to his death on this earth. His life was not always characterized by unwavering faith. This is evidenced by having a son with his wife’s handmaiden and being willing to give up his beautiful wife Sarah not just once but twice to save his own skin. So when exactly did he get to the point of this unwavering faith in the promises of God? 
 
Romans 4:20 tells us he grew strong in faith AS he gave Glory to God. AS he was glorifying God, his faith grew. This is my testimony as well. When I am suffering, if I lean into the leading of the Holy Spirit and open my heart to thanksgiving and Glory to God, He miraculously pulls me out of despair and sets my feet on solid ground. Giving Glory to God leads to stronger faith, being fully convinced that God is able with His wonder working power to do what He promised. 
 

Giving God Glory is Key  

Do I continue to suffer? Yes. But I move through the transformative process more quickly to bask in Hope that does not disappoint. I have the memorial stones of God’s faithfulness to lean on. He has never not been faithful. I have no other reason to be hopeful. But God, in His love, makes sense of the suffering. I can endure a little longer and then a little longer still as I wait expectantly for Christ’s return. 
 
The depths of God’s love and riches of His Word continue to amaze me. I never want to get over it. May I continue to find Him bigger. I am convinced the key to not giving up too soon is to give Him the Glory due His Name. 

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