2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Contemporary English Version (CEV) “ We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. “

The Bible is full of examples for our learning and admonition and to give us hope. So, before you quit and walk away from any overwhelming project, read and learn from the story of how Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days: First, he sought God’s help. “We prayed to our God” (Nehemiah 4:9 NIV). Second, he protected his vision. “We…posted a guard day and night to meet this threat” (v. 9 NIV). Third, he refused to quit. “Should a man like me run away?…I will not” (Nehemiah 6:11 NIV). In spite of the obstacles, the enemy, and the pressure, Nehemiah refused to give up. And God honors people with such a spirit. Paul said, “Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us” Thomas Edison gave the world electric light, microphones, storage batteries, sound films, phonographs, and a thousand other inventions. We can learn from the principles he lived by: (1) Work to obtain all the knowledge you can about what you want to achieve. (2) Fix your mind on your purpose. Persist! Seek! The trouble with most people is they quit before they start. (3) Keep searching, no matter how many times you meet with disappointment. (4) Refuse to be influenced by the fact that someone else tried the same thing and failed. (5) Stay “sold” on the idea that somewhere a solution to the problem exists, and you’ll find it. I want to encourage you today:  never give up on your God given dreams!