10 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
The way the mittenlike leaf of the poplar unfurls from its tiny burgundy bud is an astonishing mystery to me. In these moments of wonder, the rhythms of the natural world offer encouragement about the importance of perseverance. Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about not giving up in adversity.
Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
As the old poplar tree reminds me, when we stand strong in the face of challenges (including long winters, spiritually dry spells, and seasons of feeling defeated), we will eventually see the fruit of our perseverance.
Perhaps you’re facing a challenging season today. If so, let these Scriptures inspire you to continue pressing forward. God is still working in your story.
10 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up
1. Galatians 6:9
“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary” (Galatians 6:9, NASB).
Several years ago, a close friend asked me to pick a verse she could pray over our family throughout the upcoming year. I was deeply touched by her love and loyalty. Yet, for the life of me, I couldn’t settle on a verse.
As I talked about this with God, I sensed a nudge to ask my friend to pick a verse for our family.
She picked Galatians 6:9.
For an entire year, she prayed these words over our family. Throughout that year, God frequently reminded me to cling to his encouragement in challenging times. I faced setbacks in my writing career and moments that made me question my parenting. Meanwhile, I committed to continuing on God’s path for me.
At the end of the year, I reflected on the many blessings that resulted from simply persevering.
This principle is true for all of us. As we remain faithful to God’s calling, he promises that we will bear fruit.
2. Isaiah 59:1
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1).
When life is tough, it’s easy to wonder if God has abandoned us. If this is you today, cling to this promise: The Lord’s arm is not too short to save you, no matter how far you have fallen.
When you begin to feel like you might sink, lift your eyes to the One who holds the power to immediately reach out and save you.
Ask him for help. He is waiting to carry you and sustain you. He will give you all you need to continue following hard after him.
3. Philippians 1:6
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
God is not done writing your story.
He is not finished with you.
Hold onto this Bible promise when you feel discouraged: God will finish what he starts in your life. Your role is to trust him as you continue to put one foot in front of the other—one day at a time.
If you feel like giving up today, talk to God about your life. He might want to redirect certain areas of your life. Yet if you sense that he is calling you to stay the course, you can trust that he finishes what he starts. He will finish the story he started writing in your life.
4. Isaiah 42:6
“I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over you” (Isaiah 42:6).
The next time you feel like quitting or feel all alone, hold onto this promise: The God who made you will hold you by your hand. He has not left you.
He is watching over you, and he hasn’t missed a moment of the journey you are facing. Keep drawing near to him. Continue talking to him and opening your Bible. He is present with you. He wants to encourage you to keep pressing forward.
5. Hebrews 10:35-36
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Instead of giving up, ask God to give you endurance. Ask him to show you what you can do to encourage yourself.
This might include reaching out to someone who can build you up, connecting with like-minded friends who can offer inspiration, or calling an older mentor who can speak into your situation.
6. Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).
Do you feel tempted to walk away from an endeavor as a result of interactions with other people?
During these times, God invites you to turn toward him and trust him. When the fear of man is overpowering, remind yourself that you serve God first. He will defend you and stand with you.
7. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
God invites us to turn toward him and find refuge and protection in his presence. When life feels defeating, run to the Lord. Rest in his love. Imagine him holding you and giving you strength.
He wants to help you in times of trouble and defeat. He can lift your head and give you hope.
8. John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We all face trouble in life.
Turn to Jesus in times of trouble and remember that he stands above every power and authority. He fights for you and wants to carry you and defend you.
9. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Perhaps you feel like you’re walking through a refining fire.
If so, cling to this promise: God is using this fire to purify you and help you grow.
Affliction is God’s primary tool for helping us grow into emotional and spiritual maturity. We miss the gifts hidden in affliction when take offense toward God for permitting difficulties.
Ask God to help you keep a soft heart. He uses life’s fires and floods to transform us into the image of his Son.
10. Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Never forget that God is with you.
This Psalm reminds us that he is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed. He wants to be your source of comfort.
Apply These Bible Verses About Not Giving Up to Your Life:
Do you notice what all of these Scriptures have in common?
God sees every tear you shed, every dark night, and every difficult day.
He is present.
Turn to him. Tell him how you feel. Let him encourage your heart and speak hope over you, and then stand on his promises. He will carry you and give you all you need to keep walking in his will.
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