I'm done.

And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers" (1 Kgs 19:3,4)

"I am done shopping."

While at a shopping mall two days ago, I overheard the cashier say to  the man in front of us, "We do not have bags." "Why don't they have bags?” I wondered. 

While I was still lost in those thoughts, I heard the man speak loudly and angrily to the cashier. I wish I could say that his words were only angry and loud.  sadly, they were not. He spoke to the cashier  in a way that no responsible, considerate person should. And he did it in front of the young man who was with him, who was probably his son. The exchange of words jostled me out of my thoughts and  turned me into a peacemaker. The man started firing off  more of what sounded like bullets to me, and then he dropped the grocery bags he was going to pay for on the counter and said he was done shopping. The young man's sad eyes darted from his father to the bags on the counter, then back again, seemingly confused. After a brief moment of hesitation, he reluctantly followed his retreating father. There was  disappointment  written all over his  face.  As I watched them walk off, I wondered how many times he had watched his dad make these public displays. “How sad, how very unfortunate," I thought to myself.  After all the time and fuel he had used to get here, as well  as the time it took him to pick out his groceries; a few careless words from a thoughtless cashier was enough to keep him from taking possession of what was almost as good as his.  

Elijah's Frustration

In 1Kings 19 driven by  fear and frustration, Elijah walks  away from all that the Lord was using him to do because of a threat from Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. And instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he began to throw a pity party, feeling sorry for himself for being the only one left of the prophets in spite of all that he had done for the Lord. It was now all about himself, no longer about the Lord and his assignment.

"I'm Done"-It's an age-old strategy

The  age-old strategy of the enemy of our souls remains the same: to stop us from doing what the Father wants us to do.  He knows that he may never get you to commit those 'big' sins like adultery,  fornication or theft.  But he knows that he can get you angry or offended enough to make you drop whatever you believe you need to do. The most heartbreaking aspect is  that you quit with the impression that your choice to stop was justified.

Reasons For surrendering to the beast called "I Quit"

Despite initial commitments and investments, you might have walked away from a transaction, a game, a job, or a relationship. The choice to disengage can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Understanding why we decide to walk away is important in navigating the intricacies of human interactions and pursuits. While the reasons vary widely from one person to another and one situation to another., common issues emerge, reflecting basic human needs, values, and aspirations. By looking at these underlying motivations, we gain insight into the dynamics of detachment and the pursuit of fulfillment. 

Understanding why we decide to walk away

 is important in navigating the intricacies 

of human interactions and pursuits. 

From unmet expectations to shifting priorities, from toxic environments to personal growth opportunities, the decision to walk away embodies a delicate balance between holding on and letting go. Regardless of the causes of disengagement, the outcome is the same: it prevented those individuals from witnessing the completion of the project they initiated. And no matter how much you try to hide or excuse giving in to this beast called 'I Quit,' it's negative impact on your mind, and latter choices become enemies that you  continue to wrestle with or surrender to. On the other hand, you can view the moment that this beast shows up as an opportunity. 

Remember Your “Why”
When we’re exhausted, discouraged, or overwhelmed, it is easy to forget why we started in the first place. Take a moment to go back to the beginning. What inspired you to take this path? What was your motivation? Maybe it was a commitment to your family, a calling that feels like a part of your purpose, or a dream you’ve nurtured for years. Reconnecting with your "why" reignites the fire that  set you on our journey.

Embrace the Battle  as Growth
Growth is rarely comfortable. It stretches us, challenges us, and reveals areas in our lives where we can become stronger. But here’s the good news: every battle is an invitation to grow. When you embrace the challenges and choose to learn from them, you come out wiser, more resilient, and better equipped for the future. Instead of seeing the battle against quitting as a roadblock, view it as a stepping stone. This shift in perspective can turn your discouragement into determination.

 Surround Yourself with Encouragement
We were  not meant to go through life alone, and so when you are in a tough season, it is important to lean on the people who support you. Surround yourself with family, friends, or mentors who can remind you of your strength and purpose. A single word of encouragement can be powerful fuel. Sometimes, hearing someone else say, “You’ve got this” is all we need to keep moving forward.

 Take Small Steps Forward
When the beast called "I Quit" is breathing down your neck, you might feel pressured to make huge leaps to prove that you are still moving. But in reality, progress does not have to be grand. Even small steps can propel you forward. Whether it’s completing one task, taking a few minutes to recharge, or setting a small goal, each step counts. Momentum builds over time, and soon, those small steps will add up to significant progress.

Speak Life Over Yourself
The way you talk to yourself  matters. When you are feeling defeated, it is easy to let negative thoughts take over. Challenge that inner dialogue. Speak words of encouragement and truth over yourself. Tell yourself, “I  can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13) God's word is  your armor against the “I Quit” beast, reminding you of the strength that is within you.

Why Succumbing is not an option

"I'm done"  you say, and walk away, completely oblivious to what has been lost. You did not  consider how many lives could have been impacted if you had persisted or the circumstances that would have been improved.  In His letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul said, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal 6:9).  Fruitfulness and multiplication are the results of consistency; come rain, come shine.  Enduring to the end is what brings rewards and a sense of fulfilment.  

When you choose not to quit and walk away, you are taking a stand against that voice that tries to limit you. Each time you overcome, you become stronger, more resilient, and more confident in who you are meant to be and the impact that you were designed to make. By choosing to face the “I Quit” beast with courage, step by step, you will discover that your  victory was  closer than you thought.

How are you resisting the temptation to throw in the towel and walk away?  What effect will that choice have on the individuals or circumstances you are trying to help or change?

Prayer: Lord, by your Spirit, may I always be reminded of your power within and that my life exists for the glory of the One who purchased it with the blood of His one and only Son, and not for myself in Jesus name.