NEVER GIVE UP

When we face weariness or doubt, God reminds us that He’ll never abandon His purpose in us.

TEXTS: Galatians 6:9, Philippians 1:6

The Battle of Iwo Jima – A Fight to the Finish

In the harrowing days of World War II, the Battle of Iwo Jima stands as one of the most intense and symbolic fights.
For 36 days, U.S. Marines pushed forward under unyielding fire across brutal terrain.
Every inch gained came at a cost, but those soldiers refused to surrender, pressing on no matter the odds.
After days of relentless combat, they finally captured Mount Suribachi, raising the American flag.
That moment, captured in an iconic photograph, became a symbol of courage, persistence, and victory against all odds.

We are called to persevere in the face of challenges, to hold fast, and to trust that every effort in God’s purpose is worth it.

We have covered four major DECISIONS that DEFINE US… I Am Responsible (I must surrender my life to God), Let Him Ask (For Wisdom), It’s Time to Activate (Don’t just sit on the bench - go after God’s purpose for your life), Trust The Promise Keeper (He knows what is best and He doesn’t make promises he doesn’t intend to keep).

Today - we will cover the final DECISION in this series..The Decision to “NEVER GIVE UP”!

I won’t Quit on God, because He won’t give up on me!

When you are going through hell, keep on going. Never, never, never give up. —Winston Churchill

The Struggle to Persevere

Why is it so hard to “keep going” when we don’t see the results or when our efforts seem futile?

Sometimes we lose sight of why we live for God, and we get our priorities mixed up.

Then we get overwhelmed and we feel like quitting…but it’s not on God, it is on us!

We have to make up our mind that we are NEVER GOING TO GIVE UP!

In Galatians 6:9, Paul tells us “not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

God tells us to keep going, reminding us that He never gives up on us.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. —Galatians 6:9 (KJV - King James Version)

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: —Philippians 1:6 (KJV - King James Version)

Keep Moving Forward - God Is With You

Galatians 6:9 and Philippians 1:6 both hold promises that are foundational to this message.

In Galatians 6:9, Paul reassures us that in due season, if we don’t give up, we’ll see the fruit of our faithfulness.

This isn’t just a call to perseverance; it’s a promise. God has appointed a harvest for those who persist in His purpose.

And in Philippians 1:6, we find even more encouragement: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Here, Paul reveals something profound about God’s character — God is a finisher.

God isn’t just faithful to start His work in us; He’s faithful to complete it.

Just as those soldiers in Iwo Jima pressed forward, believing that each step was worth it, we’re called to press on, trusting that God’s work in us is both purposeful and guaranteed.

In Jesus’ mission, He endured the cross, knowing the joy that lay ahead (Hebrews 12:2).

Hold On, God’s Not Done

So, what does this mean for us practically?
When we embrace the call to “never give up,” we’re choosing to align with God’s unshakeable commitment to finish His work in us.
Here’s how we can apply this to our own lives:

A. Hold on When the Battle Feels Long

B. Focus on God’s Faithfulness to Complete the Work

C. Pray for Strength and Stay Connected

Desmond Doss - Soldier Without a Weapon

Desmond Doss was an unarmed Army medic in WWII, known for his courage during the Battle of Okinawa.

When his company was ordered to retreat under intense enemy fire, Doss stayed behind.

With no weapon to protect himself, he risked his life over and over, lowering 75 wounded soldiers down a cliff to safety.

Each time he brought someone to safety, he prayed, “Lord, please help me get one more.”

Even in the face of overwhelming danger, he never gave up.

His persistence and faith saved lives, and his story remains a powerful testament to pressing on in purpose, even when all odds are against us.

We are called to never give up.