DON'T GIVE UP by S. O. James

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 27, 1879

DON'T GIVE UP.

By S. O. James

I MEAN, don't become discouraged, cease making efforts, and thus lose what you have wrought. Very likely you have been burdened, if you are walking in Jesus’ footsteps. Resisting sin and performing duty has cost you vigorous effort, severe mental struggles. The burden has seemed to grow heavier, the cares to multiply, while with sick heart and weary brain you could not feel that the work was moving on, that you were accomplishing aught for the Master. Perhaps, care-worn and sorrow-stricken, you have looked to the wrong source for comfort. Thinking only of your own sorrow, you slept instead of agonizing with the Lord. Of course you denied him; and then in your bitter regret, with the enemy triumphing over your downfall, you almost felt to say, “It is useless to attempt to walk in this way.” But now that he has followed you, and comes with the tender inquiry, “Lovest thou me more than these?” can you refuse to engage the enemy once more in his name? Ah! you have learned a lesson, and from henceforth you will not try to bear your burden alone, but will share it with him. Now you are ready to say, while you feel his sweet smile of pardon for your lack of faith,—Give me some work, and make me able to do it.

“Oh, blessed work for Jesus! Oh, rest at Jesus’ feet! There toil seems pleasure, my wants are treasure, And pain for him is sweet. Lord, if I may, I’ll toil another day.”

S. O. JAMES.