Don't Give Up! God will never give up on you.

Time after time you've been left behind

Like the sun when it's starting to rain

Time after time you've been forgotten

Like a picture that's faded with age

Time after time you ran after me

When I was still running away

You never give up on me

No, You never give up on me

Though I'm weak you are strong

You told me I still belong

No, you never, never give up on me

Time after time I've used your grace

As a way to do what I please

I've taken for granted prayers that you answered

Never been all I could be

You are holding out your hands

And now I clearly see

You never give up on me

No, You never give up on me

Though I'm weak you are strong

You told me I still belong

No, you never, never give up on me

You always erase all my mistakes

You lift me up when I'm down

Through all the ages, Your love never changes

You welcome me just as I am

You never give up on me

No, You never give up on me

Though I'm weak you are strong

You told me I still belong

No, you never, never give up on me

Never give up, never give up on me...

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said.

"Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo." He said.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant... But just 6 month later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."

God said to me. "You will rise high".

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes". He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

Prayer is not an option but an opportunity. Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

-God will never give up on you (and me)--

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

*thanks to [f]. you come to me at the right time.. :)