Don’t give up!
Whenever we set a goal, the most important strategy to achieve our objective is…Don’t give up!
We’re not beaten until we quit trying.
One of my heroes is Winston Churchill. His determination and leadership was a shining example of perseverance and tenacity during World War II. One of his messages can help us persevere when we’re striving toward a healthier lifestyle.
Never give in!
“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never–in nothing great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to conditions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Winston Churchill
Change is hard
If we’re trying to make healthier lifestyle changes, sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. Often we talk ourselves out of changing habits before we hardly begin. Or we discover making healthier choices is a challenge and we give up. Sometimes we give in to an impulse to indulge in an action which is not healthy for us. We follow up with guilt and take on the mindset that we’re doomed to failure.
But we aren’t failures.
We’re not perfect, but we are God’s special and amazing creation and He wants us to be healthy, happy, and live an abundant life.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Some strategies to help us start and finish the race to achieve a healthier lifestyle:
- Recognize that developing the habit of making healthier choices is a challenge.
- Enlist a support group–friends, coworkers, Bible Study group, family, etc. Support each other in making better health choices.
- Don’t get derailed when we mess up–just get back on track.
- Remember the ultimate goal–a healthier and happier you due to implementing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
- “Never give in…”
Remember, a healthier lifestyle leads to a longer and better quality of life.
Perseverance–a great word to remember. Thank you, Katherine.
I can think of many times that I needed more perseverance–I’m so thankful that God helps us with courage, guidance, and determination when we need to persevere in service to Him. Thank you for your encouragement, Diana.
Thank you Katherine. I needed the reminder to never give up and to cope with the ugly lie of guilt from the enemy.
Me, too, Lisa. The enemy is strong and seems to never give up, yet we have God on our side and He is more powerful. We just need to remember to call out to our loving Father when we feel the enemy’s attack. Praying for you, my friend.
What a man for his time! May God raise some of his ilk for us today.
And may we pursue that kind of diligence and resolve.
Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
I agree, Nancy, Winston Churchill was just the man needed to guide his country through war. He’s such a wonderful example of faith, courage, and tenacity. Your description of diligence and resolve is perfect. Blessings!
“Winners never quit, Quitters never win!” How that phrase echoed in my mind this morning as I was reading your post Ms. Katherine. How many times in my life have I uttered that phrase? How many times has it compelled me to take the next step, to run the next mile, to march the next leg? How many times have I used that phrase to keep my marriage together? How many times have I uttered that phrase when this Christian journey in faith becomes so difficult? Never quit indeed my encouraging friend. Thank you for your encouraging word this morning. God sent!
Thank you, my kind friend, for sharing how often you’ve reminded yourself of the importance of not quitting. I know, at times, I’ve given up too easily. At other times, when I should have given up because I wasn’t on God’s path for me, I’ve hung on like a stubborn blockhead. You strengthen me with your example of faith, J.D. Wishing you all good health and joy on the Cross-Dubya.
So encouraging. It’s easy to grow weary when results aren’t realized, but nothing feels better than that sense of achievement after pressing through. Even if things don’t turn out the way I pictured, just knowing I stayed the course is rewarding.
I agree, Terri. I think sometimes God keeps us going for the lesson He’s teaching us, rather than the outcome we’re hoping for. Thank you for sharing your insightful and inspiring thoughts. Wishing you a great week and a Happy Valentine’s Day!