Articles
Never Give Up
Never Give Up
In 1961 a song by Jim Reeves, “The Blizzard”, was released. It is the story of a man, his horse and a lady named Mary Ann. The song begins, “There’s a blizzard coming on, how I’m wishing I was home. His horse is lame and can hardly stand but it’s only seven miles to Mary Ann’s. As he travels on he says that his hands feel like they are frozen and there’s numbness in his toes, but it’s only five more miles to Mary Ann’s. The wind is howling and the man says, we’d best be moving fast if we can. He talks to his horse about a barn of hay so soft and warm for it’s only three more miles to Mary Ann’s. The horse falls and the man pleads with the horse to get up or it will be the death of them. Then the man says, Alright Dan, perhaps it’s best if we stop a while and rest for it’s only one hundred yards to Mary Ann’s. Late that night the storm ended. The next day at dawn they find the man with his hands frozen to the reigns of Dan, only one hundred yards from Mary Ann’s.
This is a sad story of a man and his horse who came so close to finding that haven of safety only to lose it. It is a sad story as it relates to physical existence in this life. Sadly, and tragically, it is the story of so many as it relates to their spiritual journey toward the ultimate haven of rest, heaven. They enthusiastically begin their Christian journey as a new creature in Christ. But as time passes, for sundry reasons they begin to become tired and weary, eventually slowing down to rest for a while. Now, the real problem begins because their focus on the author and finisher of their faith begins to dim and unless corrective action is taken quickly, the light will go out and they will fall short of finding that haven of rest.
It is vitally important that we run this race of life as if there were blinkers on our eyes so as to not let any encumbrance, difficulty, care or trial cause us to swerve to the right or left. It will not be easy to do but it can be done. Contrary to some of the popular doctrines of men, there is a cost to be paid in order to come to and follow Jesus. There must be a willingness to totally submit our will, our affections, our desires to Him (Luke 9:23-25, Rom. 12:1-2, Col. 3:5, 1 John 2:15-17, James 4:7-10) Everyday there will be temptations, afflictions and difficulties that must be patiently borne (Psalms 34:19, 2 Cor. 4:16-18).When everything seems to be out of control, when hope seems to die and fear envelopes us, never give up, turn it all over to the Lord. His presence is ours and with great conviction we can say, the Lord is my helper (Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalms 18:1-2-3, Psalms 59:16-17).
As for myself. I truly believe that having a heart that is securely anchored in God and His word is the key to never giving up. Many fail because the foundation of their faith is not truly being built on God’s word alone so when trouble comes, they do not have the strength or courage to continue to press on. The question for each of us begs to be answered, where is your heart (Prov. 23:26, Mark 12:29-30, Prov. 23:7, Prov. 4:23, Matt. 6:21, Heb. 4:12)?
Ever press on looking to our Savior knowing that his loving hands will always lead and guide us safely through whatever blizzard we are in. Never give up, heaven will surely be worth it all (John 14:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:1-9, Rev. 21:1-5, Rev. 14:13)
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
