Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?
The sermon encourages Christians to remember God's love and acceptance, and to trust in Him, rather than giving up in the face of trouble and despair.
David Wilkerson addresses the growing despair among Christians who feel overwhelmed by guilt and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. He emphasizes that many sincere believers are at a breaking point, struggling with their faith amidst life's challenges, contrary to the overly positive messages often preached. Wilkerson highlights that true comfort comes from recognizing God's love and the importance of faith in overcoming despair. He reminds us that positive thinking alone cannot resolve our struggles, but trusting in God's unwavering love can provide the strength we need.
Text
A number of ministers have written to me expressing their concern for parishioners who are simply giving up. "Good honest Christians are so overwhelmed by guilt and condemnation that it causes despair. When they can't live up to their own expectations, when they fall back into sin, they decide to give up...."
Growing numbers of Christians are at the breaking point. Few Christians would even dare entertain thoughts of quitting on their love for Jesus, but in despair they consider giving up on themselves.
Some ministers today continually preach only a positive message. To hear them tell it, every Christian is receiving miracles, everybody is getting instant answers to prayer; everybody is feeling good, living well, and the whole world is bright and rosy. I love to hear that kind of preaching because I really desire all those good and healthy things for God's people. But that's not the way things are for a great number of very honest, sincere Christians.
No wonder our young people give up in defeat. They can't live up to the image, created by religion, of a carefree, rich, successful, always positive-thinking Christian. Their world is not that ideal; they live with heartbreaks, hour-by-hour crises, and family problems.
Paul talked about trouble: "...trouble which came to us...we were pressed out of [burdened beyond] measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" (see 2 Corinthians 1:8).
Positive thinking won't make these problems go away and "confessing" that these problems don't really exist doesn't change a thing. What is the cure? There are two absolutes that have brought me great comfort and help.
God loves me. He is a loving Father wanting only to lift us out of our weakness.It is my faith that pleases him most. He wants me to trust him.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Giving Up
- The Reality of Trouble
- The Cure for Giving Up
- Despair due to guilt and condemnation
- The idealized image of Christianity
- Paul's experience of trouble and despair
- The limitations of positive thinking
- God's love and acceptance
- The importance of faith and trust
Key Quotes
“God loves me. He is a loving Father wanting only to lift us out of our weakness.” — David Wilkerson
“It is my faith that pleases him most. He wants me to trust him.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Remember that God loves and accepts you, even when you feel overwhelmed by guilt and condemnation.
- Trust in God's love and acceptance, rather than trying to solve your problems through positive thinking alone.
- Put your faith in God's ability to lift you out of your weakness and troubles.