Philippians 3:13-14, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 119:1, Isaiah 43

Teresa Phillips

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Feeling as though you've had enough? As though you can't carry on the way things are? That you're not altogether sure if you want to give God a chance? My message this week is simple. Don't give up on God. Give Him a chance.

Don't give up on prayer...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)

Last year I really felt God say that I needed to use my voice more to stand up for things that weren't right. I thought that meant writing letters and literally speaking up. I soon found, that although doing this is sometimes essential, that actually God was telling me to use my voice in prayer. Living life in society is sometimes frustrating. When you see things going on at school, in your workplace, in the media, in the government, that you disagree with, it can soon feel like there's no hope and you have no voice with which to express your concern. Well, I believe that God says, we do have a voice. It is our duty and privilege to bring these things before God. Is something irritating you - a situation maybe? Are you bogged down or confused, held back? Is there an ongoing situation in your life which needs change? If you're saying yes to these things, then God says, pray. Speak to Him about it. Think about it. It's like, we have the key to unlock so much but just don't turn that key, maybe, because we can't be bothered, or that programme's on telly, or we're a bit tired.

That's not to say, of course, that God answers every prayer just exactly as you would like. I believe that God either says yes, no, or later. But whatever he does say you need to trust that He knows best. If you try and pray in line with His will then common sense tells me that He will say yes more than he will say no. So, recognise the importance of prayer, get listening and get talking.

Don't give up on doing what is right...
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
(Psalm 119:1)

Sometimes its easy to feel as though everyone else is doing it. Doing what, exactly? You may look at someone who does exactly what they want, leads a life a self-indulgent lifestyle, and seems to be very happy doing so and gets by just fine. And it sometimes may seem as though Christianity is just a bore, just a set of rules to abide by; no fun at all. For example, you might be considering your friends' drinking habits, and wishing you were joining in the 'fun.' What you're seeing there is the short-term results, not the long-term ones, which of course, are lack of dignity, financial problems and alcoholism, and the deterioration of your relationship with God.

If you feel restrained by these 'rules', my message is the same; don't give up on God. You need to get closer to Him, really grasp the incredible things he has done for you; fall in love with him all over again. Behaving to please someone is no chore when you love them.

Don't give up on God's love and hope...
Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end-
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy one of Israel, your Savior.
(Isaiah 43)

If you feel like you really have been dealt a bad hand, look into the face of Jesus. If you have suffered loss, or heartache of some kind, like many of us have, consider the loss the Father felt when he watched his only, innocent son die a brutal death as the only way to save you. Think about the anguish he feels when he sees his people killing, betraying, abusing and damaging one another. He knows. Whatever has happened, he knows. And you have two choices; you either turn to God and say, 'ok, God, I don't get this, and its just so tough, but I trust in you,' or, you turn your back on Him in bitterness. Please, take the former route. God will take you by the hand and gently restore your hope. He will soften your pain and make things make sense again.

Don't give up on God. If you really can't see why you should give Him another chance, if you really can't see what He's done for you, there is one more place for you to look. You see, for you, He stretched out his arms, and died.