Keep Going Even Though They Tell You No

Let's start with a bit of humor. A little boy was building a model ship, concentrating hard on the instructions. His father, wanting to encourage his son, said, "Son, I see you're working hard. Just keep going!" The boy looked up, eyes sparkling with determination, and declared, "Oh, don't worry, Dad! Even if you tell me to stop, I won't!"

Today, we will talk about a similar spirit of resilience with our sermon titled "Keep Going, Even Though They Tell You No." Our guiding scripture today comes from Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Consider the story of Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Faced with the impossible task of crossing the Red Sea, and the Egyptian army advancing behind, the people began to lose heart. They told Moses they would have been better off in Egypt. They essentially told Moses, "No." But Moses chose to trust in God's promise and keep going.

I'm reminded of a quote by Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Moses exemplified this. Despite the obstacles and opposition, he persisted, leading to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the deliverance of the Israelites.

In the New Testament, we see the apostle Paul, who faced numerous rejections, imprisonments, and hardships. Yet, he did not give up. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul writes, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Let’s also remember the story of Nehemiah. When he set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he was faced with mockery, threats, and discouragement from the surrounding enemies. But did Nehemiah stop? No, he kept going. Nehemiah 6:9 reads, "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.' But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'"

Dear friends, God often calls us to do things that seem impossible, tasks that others may discourage us from. However, God's call on our lives is not dependent on the approval of others. Just like Moses, Paul, and Nehemiah, we are encouraged to keep going, even when faced with opposition.

Let us pray, "Lord, give us strength to continue the work You have called us to do, even in the face of adversity. Help us not to become weary in doing good, trusting in Your promise that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. In Jesus' name, Amen."

This week, remember that God is with you in whatever He has called you to do. Like the little boy building his model ship, may we have the tenacity to keep going, even if others tell us "No." May God strengthen your hands and renew your determination. Keep going, Church, and be prepared to reap the harvest that God has promised. God bless you all!