Why Now is Not a Good Time to Give Up

Ever had one of those days when everything clicks into place and you remember why you are on the planet?
 

 
It’s rare, right?  I’ve encountered far more of the other days. You know  — days of drudgery, of questioning the trajectory of your life. Days of hitting your head against a brick wall.
 
But last week, I had the ultimate good day at the office.
 
I oversee the counseling at Life Choices Clinic, a pregnancy help center, where people can explore their options when facing a pregnancy decision.
 
We provide accurate information and emotional support so that women can make an informed, hope-based decision. We want them to know there is more than one option.
 
I love this work. It’s very rewarding — but it’s not easy.
 
Helping people in crisis can be difficult. They are under stress. They are not their best selves. They may even feel sick.
 
Many times, the young women I talk to won’t trust me. I see the guarded look in their eyes, the tense body language. Often, they make up their story as they go along, leaving me to sort through the puzzle pieces in an effort to help.
 
At times, people who have grown accustomed to handouts feel that we owe them something. Occasionally, someone even stomps out in a huff for some petty reason.
 
But last week, one whole day was a sheer gift from God.
 
First , I got to chat with a young woman I’d connected with last spring. She had not only found the hope she needed to keep her baby — she had also decided to trust in Christ!
 
I saw her little girl for the first time. Awesome.
 
Next, I talked with a woman who was anxious about a possible miscarriage. Though she called herself an atheist, she allowed me to pray for her and her baby, weeping as I did so.
 
I read Psalm 139 to her. She said, “I really like that” and accepted the Bible I offered her.
 
After that, I encouraged two other distressed young woman who were still in shock about being pregnant. Both seemed to gain the strength, hope and comfort they needed to carry on.
 
Between sessions, I caught a glimpse of another baby I’d prayed for back when her mother feared miscarriage.
 
Then I spoke with a young teen whose test was negative. We talked about STD’s, unplanned pregnancies, and broken hearts. We talked about her value.
 
She listened. When I asked if she was worth waiting for, she hesitated, then looked straight at me and said, “Yes.”
 
Here’s the best part: In every case, there was a connection. The girls let their walls down. They opened up, let me pray for them, hugged me back.
 
It feels great to help someone, doesn’t it?
 
But here’s the thing: Most days are not like this. Most days, you and I just have to put one foot in front of the other and be faithful, trusting God will bring opportunities in his time.
 
Every personal ministry includes lots of training and preparation and waiting and wondering about the effectiveness of it all.
 

 
May I encourage you?
 
It all counts. Whether it’s all packed into one glorious day at the office, or spread over years, it all matters to God.
 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9”

 
Your good day at the office is coming. Until then, keep up the good work of faith.
 
You are the perfect one for the job.
 
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