7-19-2026
Don't Ever Give Up!
Introduction
One of the most famous speeches in college sports was given by my former basketball coach at NC State Jim Valvano. DON’T GIVE UP!! DON’T EVER GIVE UP!! I want to encourage you by saying the same thing…. DONT EVER GIVE UP!
Don't Give Up
Text: Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Isaiah 40:31
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Hebrews 10:35–36
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Philippians 1:6
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Psalm 46:1
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2 Corinthians 4:8–9
Every believer experiences seasons of discouragement.
There are times when the road seems long, the burdens seem heavy, and the victories seem few.
Some saints are tired—not because they have stopped serving, but because they have been serving faithfully for a long time.
I know a lot of you have been faithfully serving here for many years.
Some of you are weary from praying for loved ones who have not yet come to Christ.
Weary from caring for aging parents and relatives.
Weary from sickness.
Weary from grief.
Some are weary because they have been faithful, yet they have not yet seen the harvest.
Paul understood that feeling.
That’s why he wrote:
"Let us not be weary in well doing."
Notice he did not say we would never become weary.
He said,
"Do not quit because you are weary."
There is a difference between being tired and giving up.
DONT GIVE UP.
SOMEONE WENT TO HEAVEN BELEIVING IN YOU!
God has a word today for every discouraged believer:
Don't stop now. Your best days with God may still be ahead.
I. God Sees Your Faithfulness
Hebrews 6:10
10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
People may overlook your sacrifices.
They may never thank you.
They may never notice the prayers you have prayed.
But God sees everything.
He sees:
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The Sunday School teacher preparing lessons.
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The leaders quietly serving.
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The musician practicing faithfully.
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The volunteer cleaning the church.
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The prayer warrior interceding in secret.
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The caregiver serving a loved one. (We have several of those here Serving faithfully
REMEMBER This………….Nothing done for Christ is wasted.
The world rewards success.
God rewards faithfulness.
Illustration
Several of you are farmers and master gardeners.
You know it takes time for that SEED TO germinate and began TO GROW!
You continues watering the field because you trusts the process.
God is growing things beneath the surface that we cannot yet see. (It could be someone watching you)
II. God's Strength Is Greater Than Your Weakness
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 be faint."
God never expected us to live the Christian life in our own strength.
When our strength ends...
His begins.
Paul learned this lesson.
He prayed three times for God to remove his thorn.
Instead, God answered,
"My grace is sufficient for thee."
Sometimes God removes the burden.
Sometimes He increases our strength to carry it.
Either way—
His grace is enough.
III. Your Labor Is Not in Vain
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord... your labour is not in vain."
Sometimes ministry feels invisible. This is a big one with pastors
You wonder,
"Is anyone listening?"
"Is anything changing?"
"Does any of this matter?"
The answer is yes.
Every prayer matters.
Every invitation matters.
Every act of kindness matters.
Every sermon matters.
Every dollar given matters.
Every encouraging word matters.
God keeps perfect records.
Nothing done for Christ is ever wasted.
Illustration
A missionary served for decades before seeing a single convert.
Years later, after his death, thousands came to Christ through the churches he planted.
Sometimes we plant.
Sometimes we water.
God gives the increase.
IV. God Finishes What He Starts
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"
God never abandons His children.
He finishes every work He begins.
Abraham waited.
Joseph suffered.
David fled.
Esther feared.
Paul endured.
Yet God fulfilled His purpose in every one of their lives.
Your story isn't over.
If you're still breathing—
God is still working.
V. Trials Are Preparing You, Not Destroying You
Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good..."
Notice:
Not all things are good.
But God works through all things.
The disappointment.
The sickness.
The loss.
The unanswered prayer.
The closed door.
God wastes nothing.
The very thing that threatens to break you may become the testimony that strengthens someone else.
Joseph
His brothers sold him.
Potiphar's wife lied.
He was forgotten in prison.
Yet Joseph later declared,
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good."
VI. We Are Never Alone
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Notice—
God is not merely help.
He is present help.
He's present in:
The hospital room.
The funeral home.
The unemployment office.
The nursing home.
The lonely nights.
The difficult conversations.
The uncertain future.
Jesus promised,
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Not sometimes.
Not occasionally.
Never.
When you grow weary:
Keep praying.
Even when you don't feel like it.
Keep serving.
Someone needs your faithfulness.
Keep worshiping.
Praise changes perspective.
Keep believing.
God is still working.
Keep loving.
Love never fails.
Keep gathering with God's people.
We encourage one another. WE HAVE SEVERAL PEOPLE HERE WITH THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION…. AND WE THANK YOU
The church was never meant to be a place where weary people struggle alone.
Encouragement is one of the greatest ministries of the church. Sometimes it comes through a sermon, sometimes through a handshake, a meal, a visit, a card, or simply sitting quietly with someone in their pain. We are called to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), reflecting the love of Christ in practical ways.
As a congregation, we are stronger when we walk together. No saint should have to carry life's burdens alone.
Conclusion
Perhaps today you feel tired.
Not tired of God—
Just tired.
The Lord knows.
He sees your tears.
He hears your prayers.
He remembers your faithfulness.
He has not forgotten you.
The same God who sustained Noah through the flood...
Joseph through the prison...
Daniel through the lions' den...
Paul through the prison cell...
will sustain you.
Don't quit.
Don't lose heart.
Don't give up.
The harvest is coming.
The victory belongs to Jesus.
The best is yet to come.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
ANNETTE START PLAYING ‘IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT ALL WHEN WE SEE JESUS
Lay your burdens at the cross.
Leave this place encouraged.
Leave knowing that the God who called you is faithful, and He will carry you through.
As the old hymn reminds us:
**"It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus;
Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase;
ALL OF THIS START WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reach out to us 336-338-8037 southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.