Don’t Quit: Your Harvest Is Coming

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

An impossible situation is the perfect setting for a miracle. Difficult places are the very same where the hand of God will move. If where you were didn’t require faith, it wouldn’t require God. What a privilege that you and I have – that we can share in the adventure of faith, that we can walk the risk-filled path of miraculous potential.

The scripture is perfectly clear. If you don’t quit, you will reap a harvest. The seeds that you have sown will grow. Just don’t faint. Stand firm in faith. It is an irrefutable, immovable law of scripture: persistence in well-doing produces the harvest of blessing. The laws of God’s Word are more certain than the physical laws under which our world operates.

The major difference between those who reap and those who regret is persistence. Of course, we must persist in well doing – this includes our actions and attitudes while we patiently persist. Continuing without the right attitude or perspective does not persist in the Biblical sense – it is mere movement.

Ignore the voices of negativity. Some will say, “I’ve persisted for years, but it hasn’t worked for me!” Those who claim to have persisted without results are fooling themselves, for true persistence and actual faithfulness are judged upon God’s timetable, not ours.

We cannot forget that, at times, we need to reevaluate strategies and approaches. Growth always demands change. However, it is the very act of persisting, the resolute commitment to continue, that becomes the foundation upon which destiny is built.

Persistence always produces. Don’t grow weary. Become excited about the future. Don’t judge your future breakthrough based upon today’s needs. Instead, use all that you possess today to persist, with gratitude and hope, to the best of your ability. The law of persistence will prevail, and you will, when the timing is just right, reap the harvest.

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10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Quit

We’ve all felt like quitting at one point or another. The desire to quit is as much a part of growth as success. For those who do not quit, a reward waits. Nothing worth having is easy to obtain. And everything that has value also has a cost. This is why so few actually reach their God-given goals: though most acknowledge that hard work is needed, most fail to realize just how hard that work will be. We know good things take years, decades even, but when the years begin to pass by, many are still caught off guard.

Make no mistake: the bigger the vision, the longer it will take and the tougher times will be. God will give no weighty thing to the one who cannot stand under its pressure. It is the process that makes you a person who can handle what God wants to give you. I assure you: there are no shortcuts.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” - 1 Corinthians 9:24

Trials, testing and tragedy – these cause us to grow weary. Setbacks, disappointments and long-term delay – these add to the demise of our resolve. But in our weak and frail moments, we can find the strength to continue.

We see the vision. We hold onto the dream. We pray that we become someone who pleases God. But sometimes life doesn’t align with our ambitions and hopes. People, discouragement and demonic powers speak to your heart, “Just quit and try something else.” I’ve even heard preachers say, “If it’s God, it’ll flow easily” and that’s absolutely false. When you do something for God, when you pursue the dream that He placed in your heart, opposition will come. And it will come ferociously. But in difficult times, I am reminded of this scripture:

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” - Galatians 6:9

Hold this thought captive in your mind: “I will not quit.”

In your life, work, relationships and, even ministry, you may have had moments where you wanted to quit. It may feel as though you’re stuck, trapped and just “making it”. It’s tempting to look forward to an ideal situation. It’s easy to put your happiness on hold until things “settle down” or “fall into place.” But the key to not quitting and walking in joy is two-fold. Enjoy the journey and keep the vision. Enjoy where you are now but don’t lose sight of the future. Be happy in the moment and grateful for what you have.

And if you can just hold on a little longer, I believe breakthrough is just around the corner. Who knows what can change in the next 24 hours? You just may be standing on the brink of your breakthrough. Here are at least 10 reasons that you shouldn’t quit.

#1 Don’t quit, because what you are doing now may be positively affecting a life, and you may not even be aware of it.

#2 Don’t quit, because you may be just days away from a tremendous breakthrough.

#3 Don’t quit, because everything you do in love will count for all of eternity.

#4 Don’t quit, because faithfulness pleases God.

#5 Don’t quit, because quitting would undo all that you have worked for up to this point.

#6 Don’t quit, because quitters are more filled with regret than those who persevere.

#7 Don’t quit, because the world is still in need of the gospel, and you are a vital part of the church.

#8 Don’t quit, because future generations of your family will reap from your obedience.

#9 Don’t quit, because truth is worth the fight.

#10 Don’t quit, because life is too short to re-take divine tests.

This gospel will be preached and we will continue to walk in victory.

If God is with you, who or what can be against you?

You are a child of God. The favor on your life is uncommon, and the vision God has placed before your eyes is unstoppable. God has never failed you and continues to expand you further than you ever thought you would go.

Don’t quit… ever.

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Ask. Seek. Knock.

Through persistent prayer, by faith, we pull the wandering, broken pieces of creation into alignment with the will of God. Persistent prayer isn’t about convincing God; it’s about aligning creation. Jesus Himself taught us to persevere when we pray:

7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT)

When you’re praying according to the will of God, you can be sure that what you pray will eventually come to pass. But in the waiting, discouraging thoughts like these may assault your mind: 

“If it was going to happen, it would have happened by now.”

“You’re being unrealistic. There’s no way it will ever happen.”

“Maybe God would do it for someone else, but it can’t happen for you.”

“The odds of it happening are just too difficult to overcome.”

“It just doesn’t look like it’s going to work out.”

When believing big, I myself have had to confront doubtful thoughts. The truth is that I’d rather believe until the end than to risk giving up just before the miracle happened. I wonder how many miracles have been missed simply because someone gave up even just an hour too soon.

Though it may be difficult to believe, though even doubt-filled Christians may tell you to quit, it’s best to side with what Jesus said: Ask, seek, knock.

Ask until you get the answer. Seek until you find. Knock until that door opens. 

You don’t know what tomorrow holds, and any moment can be your miracle moment. By the end of the week, you may be celebrating the miracle. All things are possible. Only believe. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Persist in praying according to the will of God, for nothing is impossible with God.

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YOUR MIRACLE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Kathryn Kuhlman used to say, “I believe in miracles, because I believe in God.” The Bible says this: 

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)

Whatever you can pray, God can perform - according to His will and Word. Nothing is impossible with God. You might be suffering with sickness, but nothing is impossible with God. You might be facing a financial hardship, but nothing is impossible with God. You might be believing for the salvation of your loved one, fighting to overcome a habitual sin, or contending for a miracle of some sort. Believer, I assure you of this: God is able. 

Your impossible situation, your difficult circumstance, might intensify your anxiety and fear. Perhaps you struggle to find peace. Maybe you are discouraged by the weight of your burden. Whatever you face, just know this: you can trust the Lord. You can rest in Him, knowing that no matter the condition of your today, God has already prepared for you a better tomorrow. For the believer, no matter what it is, it ends in victory.

So let the storm stir. Let the chaos do what it will. For the God of miracles is your refuge. He is your hiding place. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He opens springs of water in the desert, causes the Sun to stand still, sends fire from Heavenly places, and commands power over the grave. He’s the One Who spoke and brought galaxies into existence. His breath caused the waters of the Red Sea to stand like walls and the walls of Jericho to fall like water. 

I know it looks impossible now. I know that sometimes it’s easier to just quit. I also know that the enemy lies to you. The enemy uses your circumstances to tell you, “If it was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now.” The enemy uses your emotions to tell you, “You are being overlooked by God.” The enemy uses religious people to tell you, “God isn’t concerned with your health, wealth, or happiness. It’s a shame to even ask.” 

Exchange the lies of the enemy for the faith-producing truth of the Word. Don’t quit. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Go after the promises of God, and trust Him with the results. You don’t know what the next 24 hours hold. At any moment, a miracle can happen, and then, suddenly, everything is different. God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Something good is going to happen to you.

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Persistent Prayer

Before you even present your requests to God, He knows exactly what you need. But there is still something significant about persistence in prayer.

Matthew 7:7-8

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

What exactly is it about persistence that’s equated with faith? It’s not as though God is watching from the Heavens, psychologically torturing the one who prays. He gets no pleasure out of delaying just for the sake of delay.

Additionally, it’s not as if prayer is persuasion. God will not derail His will for the sake of our whims. Prayer is not about strong-arming or guilting God into a response. After all, who among us could force his will upon God? Who has strength to move His divine hand?

So persistence is not demanded of us because God takes pleasure in our misery, nor is persistence a way to manipulate God. Rather, persistence is a spiritual practice that prepares the one who uses it.

Persistent prayer does not make God willing to give; it makes us capable of receiving. God is already willing to give us every promise in His Word. It’s our ability to receive that is matured as we pray persistently.

Persistent prayer weakens the flesh. Persistent prayer turns me into one who can handle the answers to persistent prayer. Persistent prayer produces patience. Persistent prayer causes me to become capable of handling the responsibility of the blessings of God. Persistent prayer cultivates the character of Christ in me.

More than it will change any one or any thing, persistent prayer will change the one who prayers persistently.

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Persistent Faith

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Matthew 15:22-28, NLT

The woman who approached the Lord did so in desperation. After insisting upon her request, the woman finally received the miracle she sought.

There is something powerful about persistence. In fact, the portion of scripture you just read makes it perfectly clear that persistence and faith are tied together.
Persistence is consistent faith.

Perhaps there is a stubborn issue in your life that will not move. Or maybe you struggle with something from which you desire to be free. Keep going; don’t quit.

Persistent faith overcomes all. You’re not going to climb the mountain; you’re going to move the mountain. Ask, seek, knock. The door will open.

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The Law of Persistence

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

An impossible situation is the perfect setting for a miracle. Difficult places are the very same where the hand of God will move. If where you were didn’t require faith, it wouldn’t require God. What a privilege that you and I have – that we can share in the adventure of faith, that we can walk the risk-filled path of miraculous potential.

The scripture is perfectly clear. If you don’t quit, you will reap a harvest. The seeds that you have sown will grow. Just don’t faint. Stand firm in faith. It is an irrefutable, immovable law of scripture: persistence in well doing produces the harvest of blessing. The laws of God’s Word are more certain than the physical laws under which our world operates.

The major difference between those who reap and those who regret is persistence. Of course, we must persist in well doing – this includes our actions and attitudes while we patiently persist. Continuing without the right attitude or perspective is not persisting in the Biblical sense – it is mere movement.

Ignore the voices of negativity. Some will say, “I’ve persisted for years, but it hasn’t worked for me!” Those who claim to have persisted without results are fooling themselves, for true persistence, actual faithfulness, is judged upon God’s timetable, not ours.

We cannot forget that, at times, we need to reevaluate strategies and approach. Growth always demands change. However, it is the very act of persisting, the resolute commitment to continue, that becomes the foundation upon which destiny is built.

Persistence always produces. Don’t grow weary. Become excited about the future. Don’t judge your future breakthrough based upon today’s needs. Instead, use all that you possess today to persist, with gratitude and hope, to the best of your ability. The law of persistence will prevail, and you will, when the timing is just right, reap the harvest.

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How to Change the World

Begin to talk about changing the world, and you’ll be met with cynicism, skepticism, mockery, and disdain. But be totally convinced of this: it’s possible to change the world.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16

Look around at everything that is happening in our world. How does it make you feel? Fearful? Grieved? Powerless?

Observing all of the global ills that infect mankind, it is easy for one to become frustrated, hopeless. What can be done to solve these complex and intensifying issues?

The answer, as it has for centuries, remains the same: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power in the earth. It is His method of global transformation. The gospel is more powerful than most believe it to be, and the world is smaller than most believe it to be.

Let’s not get caught up in the debate, rhetoric, anger, and confusion. Instead, let us boldly and lovingly proclaim the truth that can change the hearts of men and women. Don’t get sidetracked. Preach the gospel. Support the message. Make disciples. That’s how to change the world – that’s how to truly change the world.

The answer is not in historic quotes, political strategy, social programs, passionate debate, or acts of unjust violence. The answer has always been and will continue to be Jesus. Pray? Sure. Better yet, preach! Proclaim the truth. Declaration of the gospel is God’s method of changing the world. Continue to preach the gospel – it is God’s power to save souls. What can wash away our sins? What can make this world whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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Partnering with God

Years before my first national television broadcast hit the airwaves, I was working hard on accomplishing the vision God had given to me. Though I had been given clear instructions from the Lord, the completion of my divinely-given tasks required natural, daily action. I didn’t just sit around and say, “Lord, you’ll bring it to pass!”

In an effort to try to raise the necessary support, I posted a public facebook appeal. The responses I received were mostly positive. But there was one negative response that, because of human nature, stood out to me. A pastor sent me a scathing message, rebuking me using words to the effect of, “David, you are doing this all wrong. If God wanted you to have the support for the ministry, you wouldn’t have to ask for it; it would just come. You’ve been taught wrong, and you’re a gimmick.”

Immediately after sending me that message, the pastor blocked me, so I was unable to respond.

Now, over the years, I’ve had my share of strange posts and messages – they range from questions, to rebukes, etc. For the most part, I have developed the ability of non-reaction to negative posts. After receiving at least one a day for the past 16 years of online ministry, I don’t even flinch.

But when I received that FB message from that pastor, I was angered, confused….

… and discouraged.

I approached the Lord and asked, “Lord, is this true? Am I wrong for trying to cooperate with your will? Is it wrong for me to ask for help?”

Over the next few years, the Lord would show me in scripture that many of God’s servants asked for help. So today I take no issue with rallying support for the gospel. And I’ve learned this:

There is a big difference between being called to do something and being motivated to do something. Motivation can accomplish much, but unless God breathes upon a work, it’s all in vain. You must be called to do something in order to have God in it. But, contrary to the common misconceptions, the call of God does not present an obstruction-free path. Being presumptuous is unwise, but doing nothing is also foolish. God desires to bless you and prosper you. But it’s not entirely on God.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” - 3 John 1:2

Whether you desire to prosper in business, ministry or other areas of your life, I believe that God wants to prosper you. But having God on your side does not mean that you do not have to work hard.

“The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” - Deuteronomy 28:12

There was something I noticed in this scripture that I know I was not the first to notice. God will prosper the WORK of your hands, not your hands. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a beautiful working between God and man. God chooses to use men to accomplish His will in the earth.

“Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” - Proverbs 10:4

God will not give automatic prosperity to those who just sit there and say, “Lord, here I am – prosper me.” God responds to faith, not inaction. We are to balance hard work with faith – and God will surely prosper that.

For example, I am in the healing ministry. But I don’t just sit around all day and expect people to give to my ministry. I am in constant prayer, searching for direction from the Lord. His hand guides me to do effective work (not just busy work) for the kingdom.

I have to know the right lessons to put out, the correct systems to run, the proper accounting to apply and so on. I work regular hours, Monday through Friday, on ministry endeavors. Event planning, video production, meetings, TV tapings, accounting, marketing, writing and even hours of Biblical studies (besides my personal devotion). There is so much to be done that I  had to bring several ministry employees on staff, and we still have to work hard to keep up with all there is to do.

To this hard work, I apply prayer. Without a clear direction, there is no sense in moving forward. Everything we do is rooted in prayer. And it is this blending of hard work and faith that have led to the dynamic we have in ministry today. And I believe that our faithfulness to the Lord is what causes our ministry to continue in growth.

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” - Luke 16:10

You must show faithfulness. And you have to give Him something to bless. You can’t expect God to bless your ministry if the only hard work you do is to keep yourself from hard work. There are no shortcuts in God’s kingdom. Quick works will quickly fail. God gives visions AND plans. The vision is the heart; the plan is the action.

Only God can send the wind, but you must raise the sail. Only God can send the fire, but you must build the altar. Only God can send the rain, but you need to put seed in the ground.

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Cast Your Net Again

“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!” - Luke 5:1-6

Perhaps you’ve been believing for the salvation of certain loved ones. You’ve preached to them, conversed with them and maybe even argued with them a little bit. Still, there seems to be a resistance, a worldly stubbornness. When believing for the salvation of someone who resists the drawing of the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to become discouraged and disappointed. It can seem as though your prayers aren’t making much of a difference.

But, as Jesus encouraged the disciples, I want to encourage you to cast your net again. Each time you cast your net – evangelize – you are taking a step of faith. And you never know which cast will yield a great catch. Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Keep casting your net, and, eventually, the miracle of salvation will occur. Your loved ones will come to know Jesus – it’s just a matter of time and prayer.

Your efforts are making a difference, whether you see it that way or not. For it is impossible to accomplish nothing in prayer. God’s Word does not return void, and your evangelism is making a difference.

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Keep Dreaming

“One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. ‘Listen to this dream,’ he said. ‘We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!’ His brothers responded, ‘So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?’ And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” - Genesis 37:5-8

God gave a dream to Joseph. Joseph shared that dream, and his brothers hated him for it.

Have you ever been hated, disliked or disdained because of the dream that God has given to you? Have you ever been misunderstood because of the favor upon your life? People label the passionate as “ambitious”, the faith-filled as “arrogant” and the dreamers as “crazy”. Not everyone is going to like you. Not everyone is going to believe that you are genuine. Regardless, do what God has called you to do.

You don’t have to explain yourself when you’re obeying God. In fact, even if you tried to explain yourself, there are some people who are just committed to believing the worst about you. Whether it’s because of jealousy or disagreement, some people will not be for you no matter what. Regardless, hold onto the dream.

To this day, Joseph is criticized. I’ve heard many preachers remark that Joseph should have kept his mouth closed. However, it was the sharing of the dream that ultimately positioned Joseph to fulfill it, even if the circumstances weren’t necessarily ideal. So do what God has called you to do, keep your heart right, stay focused and let God be the One to vindicate you. Hold onto the dream. It will come to pass.

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