Never Give Up
- Pat Adamson
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 (NASB)
In Genesis chapter 32, Ya’akov is both cautious and fearful of the possible reception he will receive from his brother Esav.
You’ll recall that when Ya’akov and his mother Rebecca deceived Isaac so that Ya’akov would be given the first-born blessing instead of Esav, Esav was enraged and vowed to kill Ya’akov (Gen. 27:41). Therefore, in order to save his life (and to find a bride) Ya’akov was instructed by his father Isaac to travel to Paddan-Aram. There he would find a bride and be far removed from the vengeance of his brother. Ya’akov meets Rachel and in order to gain her hand in marriage, he sets off to work for his uncle Laban for the next 7 years only to be tricked into marrying Rachel’s older sister Leah. Ya’akov agrees to work another 7 years to marry Rachel, and then another 6 years to satisfy Laban’s desire (greed) for more domestic animals as he continues to exploit Ya’akov’s livestock breeding knowledge. But G-d turns Laban’s greedy forms of manipulation around in such a way that Ya’akov’s livestock is greatly increased while Laban’s wealth diminishes (Gen. 30:43). HaShem directs Ya’akov to return to the Land of his father Isaac with his family (12 sons and a daughter); large flocks; camels and donkeys; and male and female servants (Gen. 31:3).
“ADONAI said to Ya'akov, "Return to the land of your ancestors, to your kinsmen; I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3 (CJB)
Ya’akov is anxious. He is well aware of the “unsettled business” with his brother and while anticipating the worst, he is prepared to go forward. He wrestles with a Man until daybreak, and realizing that this was no mere mortal, he asks the person for His blessing. In response, the Man changes Ya’akov’s name to Israel (Genesis 32:28). The name change indicates a distinct turning point for Ya’akov as part of the chosen line. In as much as he wrestled with his future, Ya’akov was now, physically, wrestling with the Word of G-d made flesh.
True faith does not mean that as believers we are somehow numb or unfeeling to reality. In grief we weep; in uncertainty we feel anxious; and in trials, sometimes we are stretched to the point of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. Up to this point, Ya’akov has had his fair share of trials and tribulation. But throughout his troubled life he has responded to the leading and guidance of HaShem in one most obvious way – HE NEVER GAVE UP!
James 1:2 instructs us to “count it all joy” whenever we face various trials. Obviously, James is not unreceptive to the struggle and pain that come with trials in the realm of human experience – he was not immune to anything. But how can we attribute “joy” to grief, pain, heartache, struggle, and hardship? How is it possible to count it “ALL joy?”
James was aware of something that Ya’akov also knew. Even though separated by years, they both knew that the testing of one’s faith produces endurance.
When we are in the middle of some kind of a trial or tribulation, we also know the basic framework of faith: HaShem is sovereign and “All things work together for good to those who love G-d, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). And because we understand and accept this to be true, when trials come into our lives, we’re always aware of the “silver lining” even if that “silver lining” is undisclosed for a time. Nothing in life is random or at the mercy of forces outside of G-d’s control. He cares and He knows that the testing of one’s faith produces endurance (steadfastness; patience; perseverance). And through these trials and tribulations, as we continue to trust in G-d, we are daily being conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
Do we wish for these trials? Of course not! Tribulations? No way! But if/when these things do come to pass, like Ya’akov, we will lock arms with Yeshua and wrestle through it. And finally, at the end of the day, “endurance will have its perfect result, so you may be perfect [whole] and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Occasionally, some of the trials and tribulations we encounter have to do with one’s community setting. In whatever place the believing community gathers, sometimes those relationships we hold most dear are the ones that are put most severely to the test. Sometimes we are misjudged, or we misjudge others. Sometimes our communication breaks down and we are either misunderstood, or we misread others.
Having been in ministry for many years, I’ve seen people throw in the towel – discontinue fellowship, because of a (perceived) insurmountable relational strain. Nothing is insurmountable with G-d! And like Ya’akov we must NEVER GIVE UP! If, in humility we can submit to G-d in order to bring forgiveness and restoration to one another, then each one of us will be more and more conformed to the image of Yeshua and endurance will have its perfect result.
Ya’akov met his brother Esav as he made his way back to the land of Canaan and in faith Ya’akov limped toward him (result of his struggle with G-d). Instead of strife, at least for the time-being, Esav received him with favor. Ya’akov’s trust in the promises of G-d overcame the fear he had for himself and for his family. HaShem promised Ya’akov, “I will be with you” (Gen. 31:3). In perfect harmony Yeshua promises, “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
If you are facing a trial, whatever it may be, even if it seems insurmountable, when you are weak, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:10). And He will be glorified in your life when you . . .
NEVER GIVE UP
