But, whew, I’m only on verse 10 and it’s already hard!
Yet I don’t want to give up. Why not?
I’ve thought of at least 5 reasons.
And while I’m applying them to Bible memorization, they can apply to any good endeavor you’re working on.
Don’t give up...
1. Because if you do, you positively won’t finish
As long as you’re trying, there’s a possibility you’ll get there. But if you stop prematurely, your chance to finish goes to absolutely zero (barring a miracle, of course!).
2. Because you’re learning patience
Working through hard times builds up your patience (James 1:3). When you work your muscles in this trial, they’ll be stronger for the next trial. There are always beneficial lessons to learn.
3. Because a little is better than none at all
Baby steps in the right direction are still progress. Even if you’re not doing it exactly perfect—say, you flub quite a few words in the memory verse (hypothetically, of course)—you’re still gaining more than if you weren’t trying at all. It’s the Fly Lady philosophy: a little housework done imperfectly is better than no housework done at all.
4. Because success may be just around the corner
Have you ever tried and tried to learn something new with poor results, then one day—it clicks! Who can predict when that happens? If you’ve tried teaching a child to read, one day you think they’ll never get it, then the next day a light bulb turns on. So don’t give up—turning a corner may be closer than you know.
5. Because God can do the impossible
Never rule out the supernatural Spirit that lives in His believers. Maybe you could never succeed on your own strength with what you’re trying to do (like memorizing Romans 8?). But you’re not using your own strength. If your success can bring Him glory despite your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), please don’t give up and rob Him of the honor He’s due.
So even though Romans 8 isn’t exactly flowing flawlessly off my tongue, I’ll keep working on it. And even though I may never get it perfectly, every day spent rehearsing the words (and I’ve admittedly missed quite a few days) is another day the Word is working on me, through me, and in me.
I definitely don’t want to give that up.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
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What are you glad you didn’t give up on?
Please share.
If you’d like to join us in memorizing Romans 8, it’s never too late to start. We’re all stragglers together. Just let me know and I’ll send you an e-mail about it.
