Can I make a confession? Sometimes I quit too soon. I’ve quit when what I really needed to do was press on and press through. Sometimes I’ve gotten tired of trying. Sometimes I’ve gotten tired of the struggle. And you know what? I’ve missed many blessings because I got tired of the battle. I don’t want to do that any longer.
The battle plan to take the Promised Land was as simple as it was strange. March around the city of Jericho with all the armed men. Do this in silence, once a day for six days. Then on the seventh day, walk around seven times with the priests blowing the trumpets. Have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go straight in. (Joshua 6:2-5)
Now, that was a strange plan. God’s infinite ways often don’t make sense in our finite minds. Sometimes you have to be willing to look ridiculous and be radical to live a remarkable life.
The choices you make when you feel God’s nudge will become the hinges on which your destiny swings. Each individual decision you make, to obey or ignore God’s promptings and directives, is a thread that weaves the tapestry of your life. (Remember last week’s devotion.)
God said, “See, I have delivered them into your hands” (Joshua 6:2). Notice that verb tense. God did not say, “I will deliver them into your hands.” He said, “I have delivered them into your hands.” He had already done it, but they had to obey and put their foot down to receive it. I love how God speaks in past tense to our present problems.
But here’s the conundrum: What do you do when what God says doesn’t match up with what you see? When all you see is a big wall standing between your promise and your present situation?
There will be times when you are doing everything you know to do, and you still don’t see any movement. The Israelites walked around Jericho for six days, and as far as they could tell, nothing happened. I’m sure it unnerved the people behind the wall, but as far as the walkers could tell, not one brick fell.
This is where many give up—when they don’t see any progress. The son is still taking drugs. The daughter is still living with her boyfriend. The husband is still cold and aloof. The bank account is almost empty.
“God, throw me a bone,” I cry. “Show me a little something! Let me see just a hint of progress! Can I see one brick fall?” And God says, “Keep walking … by faith.”
Just because you don’t see God working does not mean that He isn’t. Jesus said, “My Father is always at work” (John 5:17). The writer of Hebrews notes: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35).
Today, you might be on lap number seven and not even know it. Joshua told the men to march around Jericho, but he didn’t tell them how many times they were going to have to do it. He just said to “march forward” and “remain silent.”
Suppose they had stopped on day six saying, “This is ridiculous. I’m not feelin’ it. Not one stone has fallen to the ground. I don’t see any progress. Those folks are probably in there laughing their heads off. I’m going home.”
They would have missed the blessing.
I wonder how many times I have missed the blessing because I stopped too soon. Perhaps you’ve wondered:
- How much longer will I have to wait until God brings my prodigal home?
- How much longer will I have to struggle with this unbelieving husband?
- How much longer will I have to endure this dead-end job?
- How much longer will I have to go without a job?
- How many more laps will I have to walk around Jericho before the walls come tumbling down and I can take hold of my Promised Land?
I don’t know the answer to your question of how much longer, but I do know this, tomorrow could be the final lap. Don’t give up too soon.
Lord, sometimes I just get tired of trying. Tired of hanging on. Tired of believing for a miracle. Fill me with Your power to persevere. I’ll take the next step and believe for the next day. I will not give up! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one prayer that you will not give up on! Leave a comment that says, I will not give up on___________________.
Digging Deeper
Today’s devotion comes from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. If you feel like you’re stuck in your faith, that it has become mediocre, then this book with get you fired up again! Learn how to let go of everything that holds you hostage to a “less than” faith, move forward with a powerful faith, and live bold with an exciting faith! You can have the faith you’ve always longed for with the power, promises and provision God wants to give.
This book also includes a Bible study guide in the back that is great for small groups!
Comments 104
Avesian’s and Reagles start to see blessing pour from loss of baby/grandbaby and mental and physical health restore to both families
I will not give up on my prodigal son, brother-in-laws and others.
I will not give up on praying for my son and daughter’s-in-law marriage and for my DIL to know the Lord!
I will not stop praying for provision and walking by faith in my healing and my sweet pet’s wellness maintenance. Thank you Jesus. 🙏🏼
I won’t stop praying for my prodigal to come home to the Lord.
I will not give up on my son who has openly walked away from the Lord. I will pray without ceasing.
I believe with you and I will not give up on my two sons and two grandsons. PTL
I pray that I will not give up on this cancer journey that I’m just beginning and that my faith will grow and will overpower the fear that creeps in.
I will not stop praying for family salvation, believers to fight the good fight of faith, and the good news of the gospel of salvation proclaimed to every nation!
Amen
I will not give up on my prodigal daughter.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for this word. To say it was timely is an understatement. I was stirring throughout the night, asking the Lord to speak and bring clarity. He’s done it through you today. Thank you for your ministry. Blessings!
Nydia, I would like to say that I am with you. I was feeling the same this morning and asked God to speak to me and give me clarity as well on what to do next regarding my job and retirement because I am becoming weary on what to do next. This was what I needed to hear. I will continue to wait on the Lord and be of good courage as I wait on HIM. I am holding on to his unchanging hand.
Having a restored relationship with my daughter and grandchildren ❤️
This devotion hit home for me! I have been in the trenches for years with 2 of my young adult daughters who are battling severe eating disorders. It feels like it’ll never end, BUT God I know he is always working and I need to continually surrender my desire for specific outcomes and put all of my trust in him. However I am weary! I love this picture of not giving up, We might be nearing the final lap! Even if the outcome isn’t what I desire, it’s a new visual for me when I don’t think I can go anymore. I surely don’t want to miss the blessing. Thank you for this devotion Sharon!
I will not give up praying for my prodigal children, my grandchildren, family and friends to come to God!
I will not give up praying for my son who has openly walked away from the Lord.
I will not give up on:
Salvation for my son
A job for my son
Answers for my special needs daughter
A return to the church for my husband
I will not give up on my daughter.
I will not give up on my daughter knowing who God is and having personal relationship with Him,
I will not give up on the prayer for final and full victory over the struggle with spiritual warfare through my finances and in romantic relationships.
1 John 5:4-“Everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—even our faith.”
I will not give up on my sister reimbursing me for my part of renovation costs to our parent home. Nor will I give up on my husband taking time to pray with me each day like we used to.
I will not give up on being cured from cancer
I will not give up on God giving my daughter and son-in-law a child. They lost their son at 2 weeks, 10 yrs ago. They are still trying to have a family. I know God will give them one. They have been faithful throughout these years. What a glorious day that will be when they receive their child/children.
I will not give up on being able to see my granddaughter again.
We have not seen her for 6 months because her mom is mad at our son. So she’s punishing all of us by not letting us have access to our granddaughter. No phone calls no pictures no visits. It hurts so much. I’ve been worried that we’ll have to wait til she’s an adult, and she’s only 7. I don’t want to wait that long! She is our only grandchild and may be the only one we ever have. I feel like I’m missing so much right now.
I will not give up on……
I’ve been praying for my daughter living a lesbian lifestyle and has even married her partner. I’ve been praying for years and often feel discouraged when I see no sign of any change. But I will continue to pray for her.
We will not give up on our faith and family…….
I will not give up on myself of trying to lose weight for my health and happiness. I will not give up on successfully completing my principal certification program. I will not give up on having better & closer relationships with my family. I will not give up on doing a much better job of self care, in Jesus Mighty & Matchless name I pray, and give thanks! Amen! 🙏🏾🙌🏽
I will not give up on having a relationship with my son & his family!!!
Oh Lord God, I will not give up on the joy of your salvation for my husband and son !
So much heart and wisdom are in these words. Thank you for writing with divine grace each and every time.
I will not give up on God changing my husband’s critical and complaining attitude! For 11 yrs I’ve been praying that my husband would love God and love people! He talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk! I am weary and heavy laden, because I see no change, but I keep “pressing on”. Yes I want to throw in the towel, but then God leads me to a devotion or scripture, and yes to you Sharon and your weekly words of encouragement and they fit just exactly of what I need. Thank you.
God Bless you all! ✝️
Trying to get my D. L. Because this have been a struggle all my life. The bottom line is I need help and not someone to put me down. Thank you
I will not give up on praying for my family to be united and for my daughter’s mind to be healed and transformed. She has caused pain and division. For my brothers to walk with the Lord and breakthroughs for all of us.
Lord, I will not give up on my husband who is a binge drinking alcohol alcoholic.
Every since February, I have being praying that God will bring my husband home, and every sense then I have be praising him like he is already home yet I am not seeing no results however I still believe.
Tabitha,
Don’t give up hunny! The Lord knows your heart and sees you!! Jehovah Roi – the God Who sees me. 🙂 His desire for marriages is restoration and peace. I understand having been left (and divorced) by my beloved husband of 8 years. He walked out – but, I still pray. Gather up a girlfriend or two or church friends and keep on praying for the Lord’s will to prevail! Jesus won’t fail you, even when people do…..And He can turn things around for your good & His Glory! julie
I will not give up on believing that God will turn my transgender granddaughter back to the woman he created her to be!
I will not give up on this country or the promise to see a radical, overwhelming spiritual awakening.
I will not give up on seeing our two oldest children return their hearts to God’s.
I will not give up on my hope to see the goodness of the Lord in my family’s life, in the land of the living!
I will not give up on believing that I have been made for a purpose and He has a plan for me. Far greater than I could ask or imagine! 🩷
I will NOT give up on waiting for a great man to come into my daughter, Paige’s life, for her to gt married and possibly have a child of her own one day.
Good morning.
My cousin blessed me with this morning message.
This is something I can use and need.
Thank you.
I will not give up on salvation for my husband and my dad.
Thank your for this very encouraging message, Sharon. I truly needed this today.
I will not give up on my prodigal son. He walked away from the church and says he will never be associated with hypocritical Christians…but God!
I pray that I will not give up on this cancer journey that I’m just beginning and that my faith will grow and will overpower the fear that creeps in.
For an improved relationship with my daughter and her family.
Trusting for my complete physical healing. Trusting God for my future.
I will not give up on my daughter being free from a toxic relationship and my husband and I learning to trust in peace during the wait.
I will not give up on God drawing my child and grandchild into a closer relationship with HIM.
I will not give up until I see all the promises of GOD to me happen one by one before my own eyes in JESUS’ most powerful name amen. GOD said He doesn’t lie and I believe Him.
I will not give up on staying on the path to work on my health, physically and mentally..as a caregiver for my 91 yr old Mom it’s been very hard..
I will not give up on God blessing me with an equally yoked husband.
I will not give up on the restoration of my marriage and my family.
I will not give up on God healing inflammation in my body
I will not give up on God healing my body of sciatica
I will not give up on finding a job! I am trusting God for the right opportunity.
I will not give up on moderating my alcohol and food intake. I will not give up on prayer. I will give up on hopelessness.
Lord. I will not give up on me! Thank you Jesus
I will not give up on my husband being saved.
My husbands salvation, my kidney disease healed, and to get back restored relationships with siblings, to be back in church. Oh Lord how I need you, I will walk around those walls of Jericho shouting and singing your praises.
As a child brought up in church, our church walked around the walls of our church, praying, shouting, and believing those walls would come down. Thank you Sharon for this reminder!
I will not give up on my recovery from debilitating anxiety.
I will not give up on me I keep trying I keep falling behind. But not today. Thank you for this devotion
I will not give up on my daughter Shelby
We just heard a teaching last Wed. in our women’s group about Jericho. I love it when the Lord repeats Himself for emphasis & confirmation.
I won’t give up!
I will not give up on my teenage son!!!!!
I will not give up on my hopes of marriage
I will not give up on my children to get saved and for my son James to find a job
I will not give up praying to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.
I will not give up on my granddaughter Hailey.
I will not give up on my adult son who has cut me out of his life. It has been 3 years since I’ve seen him!
I will not give up on trusting GOD for healing and provision!!
Thank you sharon, I will not give up on praying for a house and salvation for my sons.
I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON BELIEVING GOD WILL HEAL ALL MY DISEASES. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MY DAUGHTER AND MY BELIEF SHE WILL BE HAPPY ONE DAY. I WILL NOT STOP BELIEVEING GOD, YOUR PROMISES WILL COME TO PASS. I COME IN AGREEMENT WITH EVERYONE ON THIS POST, HEAL ALL OF OUR SITUATIONS GOD, IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!
I will not give up on my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior!
I will not give up on my grandson having a successful Heart valve replacement surgery, and my husband and granddaughter from being totally healed.
I will not give up on praying for healing for my daughter, Savannah. She has severe Long COVID that has become debilitating to the point she cannot work any longer. She is an OT and the loss of her income has been hard on her family. Praying that God will bring her back to full health because He is the Great Physician.
I will not give up on my acting career. I believe God is preparing a role just for me. I will not give up on my dreams and the life I feel God has called me to live. I shall live and not die. I shall thrive and not just survive. I will not give up on my purpose, calling or destiny in Jesus name. Thank you so much for today’s devotional. Right on time.
MY FRIEND.
I see that you haven’t given up. Congratulations. Your words are needed and quite encouraging and needed. Being old is no joke and your words of wisdom help me carry on. I say they’re like “apples of gold”. Take care.
Terrye
I will not give up on my youngest son to come back to church and do what the Lord will have him to do. I will not give up on my walk with the Lord. I will persevere through every obstacle.
I will not give up on my sister Barbara who has a mental illness that only God can heal
i will not give up on God pulling me fully out of this depression. i will not believe the enemy’s lies when he tries to tell me this life is not worth living. i will not give up on the confidence i have in the Lord to heal me.
i will not give up trusting God is in full control and He is with me every step of the way. i will hold onto His words — God loves me and has a good plan for me. I believe He will use this struggle to refine me and use my pain to bring hope to others who are battling depression.
Lord, hear our cries. please offer miraculous healing. we know there is nothing impossible for you. give each of us the strength to endure and preserve as we await your healing.
help all of us not to give up.
I will not give up on helping other post-abortive Christian women to receive their complete healing from sorrow and shame by the blood of Jesus Christ.
I will not give up on finding healing for a lifelong sickness and just as importantly I will not give up on my teenage sons! Thank you Lord for a miracle for this and many other unspoken prayers. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Father, I will not give up on prayers for my son, daughter-in-law and grandson returning to You in full repentance.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
I will not give up for my daughter Gaby to have a relationship with the Lord and be free from gender confusion.
I will not give up on my future in my retirement or letting God take the reins and guide me to wherever we are supposed to be.
I will not give up on my children and their families and know that God is watching over them all.
I will not give up on my prodigal son!
I will not give up on having a home…
I am not giving up my children, they will speak to me again in this lifetime! Thank You Jesus for this time of growth and truth to show up in my life!! I am humbled and grateful!!
I will not give up on my husband Kyle’s salvation or our marriage being restored! God has already answered my prayers and soon I will see them! Kyle is coming home soon and our marriage is a testimony!
Hello Sharon,
I will keep pressing forward not giving up. We are so blessed! Love of God never ends! God takes over the day!
Through this devotion I realized I need to not give up on my DIL. She needs my prayers continuously.
I will not give up on repairing my broken family relationships. Please help me, Lord.
I will not give up on Robin
I will not give up on praying for my son’s blessing to be drafted into the MLB. He remains faithful to Gods word, works diligently, consistently and patiently awaits July 2025! Father you know your child’s hearts desire. I decree and declare that you will meet Him at his need. We admonish you in all ways….the Martins!
My son didn’t talk to me for over 5 years. He was always high and he was stealing from everyone, even his family. God whisper to me to go look in the dryer. I did and found a crumpled up pon ticket. He had pond heirloom jewelry that was for my daughters. God tell me what to do!?!
I had him arrested. There were multiple warrants out for him.
There is much more to this story. But I wanted a relationship with my son.
I prayed ever day for 5 years.
Their was a missionary who came to our church and told me God had heard my cries for my son. He called his grandmother and I answered the phone. It was little 2 minute conversations at first and now we speak several times a week. To God Be The Glory!!!
Thank you Sharon,
Such a great reminder to remain steadfast on my faith.
I will not give up on my son that he will find sobriety and love for himself.
I will not give up on a different home… it’s harder every day for my husband to navigate the stairs in our current two story home. The only one we have found available in our community is owned by 5 siblings and they aren’t in agreement over the price and have turned down 3 offers from us.
I will not give up on our daughters.
I will not give up on restoration of family and faith.
My miracle healing of a blocked carotid artery. Lord let me be a witness of Your glory!
I will not give up on trying to conceive… I want to be a mom
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My prayer for my youngest sister Sally to get mentally restored and healed. It seems impossible for her to get well because she seems like she doesn’t want to get healed or restored. She has no reverend fear for Jesus/God. She’s in her own channel. It’s like something is driving her around. She can be violent at times.
So, that is one prayer I can never give up.
Thank you for the message.