Don't Give Up
- assistantrivercc
- May 1
- 2 min read
by Olive Boettcher
I’m not a painter. Even so, this week I went to a “paint night” for the ladies at our church. I thought it would be a fun time getting to know some ladies and still be productive.
The painting on display was of 3 ladies looking at the distant mountains. When I saw that painting, I seriously doubted I would be able to replicate it so it would look like the teacher’s.
She patiently taught each step. The mountains were first and she explained how to make them look like they were in the distance. I thought I had to make them look just like hers, but mine were different; I considered giving up. Instead, I stuck with it, listening, watching, painting. Then when the finishing touches were put on, I realized I actually had done it! I was thrilled that I had stayed with it, and I loved the end product.
Isn’t that so much like our walk with the Lord?
When we start out with Jesus, it sometimes feels like there is so much to learn to come to maturity. But Jesus, our Teacher, is so patient with us. He walks with us, step by step. As we commit to walking with Him and determine to not give up, we see answered prayers, while lessons are learned. His love enfolds us through it all. Gradually, when we look back, we can see that there has been growth, and Jesus was at the centre of it all. Without Him, just like without the painting teacher, it would be impossible to achieve any kind of growth.
I can look back on my life and see how times of despair pushed me into Jesus like nothing else would have. He walked with me through it all, guiding, encouraging, helping, whispering love to me. In turn, those times made me into a better person who more quickly hears Jesus. I only saw the hard times, but He saw the big picture. He knew that all I went through would shape me into the person He saw me to be.
Are you going through hard times?
Cry out to Jesus; He is right there with you.
“The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
He is FOR you and not against you.
Here is my finished product. Not bad for a non-painter, huh?
That sounds like such a lovely experience! I’m not much of a painter either, so I completely understand that initial doubt when you see the example and think, “There’s no way mine will turn out like that.” But honestly, paint nights are more about enjoying the moment and connecting with others than creating a perfect piece. I’ve found that once you relax and just go with it, the results can surprise you. It’s kind of like trying out a bold style like rocking a YoungThug spider look or a cozy Spider Hoodie you don’t know until you try!