Don't Give Up

By: Keefe Wilson

Friday, October 9, 2026

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 6:68

On Okinawa, I learned an important lesson about following Jesus when things don’t go my way. Our former church required a six-week class called "Foundations" before anyone could serve. I only attended three of the six classes, so when graduation came, my name wasn’t called. Instead of taking responsibility, I got angry... I was so upset I decided to find a new church.

Sunday came, and my wife went to church without me. I was still angry, and I was still convinced I was right. Then God spoke clearly to my heart: “Are you giving up on Me?” I froze, and answered, “No, Lord. I’m not giving up on you!” Suddenly, I realized this wasn’t about the church or my name not being called—it was about my relationship with Jesus. Next Sunday, I enrolled in a new Foundations class! Our pastor smiled when he saw me and said he'd been waiting for me to sign up. I didn’t know it then, but God used that church as a place for me to serve Him for the next 25 years.

It's hard to believe, but I almost walked away from the place God was planning to use me. Sometimes, we can give up on Jesus without realizing it... We stop praying when our prayers seem unanswered. We stop serving because someone hurt us. We stop trusting when life gives us expected curveballs. We allow disappointment with people to create distance between us and Jesus. When some of His followers were offended by His teaching, Jesus asked the twelve if they were leaving Him too. Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Peter knew giving up on Jesus can't solve our problems—because Jesus is the answer to all of them!

Maybe you’re feeling tired, disappointed, or hurt. Maybe you're wondering why God hasn’t answered your prayers. Maybe Satan is whispering, “Just walk away. It'll be easier if you give up.” But instead of listening to Satan's negativity, listen carefully—God may ask you the same question He asked me: “Are you giving up on Me?” Following Jesus means we don't let difficult circumstances or people determine our relationship with God.

If you've ever felt like walking away, remember Peter’s answer: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Like me, you might be right where God wants you, in a place He's planning to start using you. Instead, we must tell God: “Lord, I don't always understand what you’re doing—but that doesn't mean I'm giving up on you!”

Don’t stop praying, and don’t stop serving. Trust God, and don’t ever stop obeying Him!