“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 9 We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. 10 We continually share in the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 TPT)
Quitting is Not an Option
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians at a challenging time in his life, and I read it at a challenging time in my own life. The pressures of day-to-day life can
This 5-day devotional was written to encourage you along your single parenting journey, whether you are new to it or have been on the trail for a while. Whether you’ve been a single mom for years or just became one, this devotional is for you! Get your FREE Download HERE!
feel overwhelming from time to time; however, quitting is not an option. Giving up, or throwing in the towel, is not the character of the image we were created. As I matured as a Believer in Christ, the eyes of my understanding were opened. I realized that as I stood steadfast in my divine assignments (parenthood, career, Spiritual commitments), others would be encouraged to do the same.
“Time is filled with swift transition.” That is a line from an old hymn titled, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” Holding tightly to the Word of God means holding tight to the Hand of God. As I blindly navigated through my single parenting journey, it was God’s Word that fueled my faith and His hand that helped me stand. Times change and situations change in the blink of an eye; however, God… His love and His provision are forever the same. We must stand on this truth without wavering. I have found great comfort and strength in declaring what the Word says about my situation (as opposed to what the world says). I often felt ill-equipped in my single parenting, and if I can be honest, I almost gave up. But, even when I did not trust myself, I trusted in the promises of God. When I felt pressed, I declared, “I am not crushed.” In the face of persecution, I declared, “I am not forsaken. “In the presence of swift transitions, it is necessary to be intentional about filling my head and my heart with the Word of God. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. It was God’s promises that filled me with hope and fueled me with faith to stay in the fight.
Although my single parenting days are far gone, having face-to-face confrontations with adversity in not. Regardless of our status (single, married, widowed, divorced), we must recognize that the message of James 1:2-4 is for everyone. Though our boats may be different in size and possibly different in condition, at some point, we all experience the same storm.
“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” (James 1:2-4 TPT)
Remember this, God has not forgotten you. You are the apple of His eye. His plans and His love for you is never changing, and there is nothing you can do about it. As you walk in the confidence of this truth, you give others permission to do the same. For that reason, quitting is not an option. You got this, my Sister!!
Renee Minor Johnson is an Author, Speaker, and Ordained Minister. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother of five beautifully blended blessings. Her God-given gifts of speaking and writing have presented her with opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in traditional and non-traditional settings. She believes that every gift created by God should be used to glorify God and build His Kingdom. The core of her message is how one’s true identity and worth is connected to our God-given purpose. Her books give voice to her desire to see the lives of “hope-less” people transformed. Renee is the CEO of ChampionsWithin Kingdom Builders. CWKB was created to infuse hope, renew minds, and transform lives. To learn more about Renee, visit www.royaltyjrenee.com.
The Life of a Single Mom is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served hundreds of thousands of single mothers with a variety of programs. Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S. The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information, visit www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
