Message Notes

Wanting to Quit
Tommy Barnett
Sunday, March 7

Key Scripture:
Galatians 6:9

Introduction:
We are all a by-product of the many people who have poured into us: teachers, leaders, coaches, parents, friends, mentors, and the experiences associated with each. Take a moment today to thank the Lord for those who have poured into you. Thank the Lord that they didn’t quit. Sometimes, when things get tough or even when life seems pointless, we think about quitting. People quit marriages, jobs, churches even. There is a lengthy list of people in scripture who have wanted to quit, but they all had one thing in common---even when they wanted to quit God---God never quit on them, and He won’t quit on you either. 

Key Points:
1. The Bible has a long list of people that wanted to quit. Many Bible characters fought discouragement and the desire to give up.
2. Anyone who has done something great for God has wanted to quit. And so have you. So will you. Don’t quit. 
3. A burden or a need will come and go, but the call of God will not go away. Burdens and needs come and inspire us, but it’s the call of God that has the staying power. 
4. Cut the word “quit” out of your dictionary. Don’t even allow it to.
5. Great men and women are just men and women who wouldn’t quit. Greatness is upon you because Greatness lives IN you, which gives you the ability to keep going. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit so you are never alone---and He will never quit on you.

Three Statements About Quitting:
1. Wanting to quit is a sign of success. Greater attack comes to those who experience greater success.
2. The more you have to quit, the more you want to quit. The higher you go the lonelier, the riskier, and the more vulnerable you become, and the easier it becomes to shed yourself of that heavy load and quit. Too much is at stake to give up now, for great is your reward if you will keep going.
3. You can enjoy the luxury of wanting to quit if you know you’re not going to quit. Your history is one of finishing what you start---it is who you are. So it’s ok to have those thoughts without worry because you know you’re not going to quit. 

How do you keep from quitting?
1. Burn the bridges behind you. 
2. Don’t tell anyone you want to quit. They may take you up on it.
3. Don’t expose yourself to who you don’t want to be: 
    a. People you associate with
    b. Places you go
    c. The books you read
4. Lock yourself in so you can’t quit. Stay focused on what you have as opposed to looking for a way out. There’s a difference between a “made up mind” and a “transfixed heart.”

What I would have done different:
1. Bigger dreams
2. Bigger risks

Final Thoughts:
Don’t quit on the things God has given you. Don’t quit on the commitments you have made. Don’t quit on your church and don’t quit on your faith. This has been a difficult season in the world (COVID, political strife and division), even in the church, and discouragement and depression have gripped so many people. But God is still in control of your purpose and your path. Stay the course. God is working and you are a part of that plan. Push past the quitting points that come through discouraging circumstances, events, and people. Turn your eyes toward Jesus and trust Him with your life and with your families. Never give up---never quit.