There is no question that knowing our potential is essential to make good choices in life. Most of the time, the focus is on knowing our strengths. However, a balanced view of self includes not only strengths but also weaknesses. There is no question that knowing one’s strength makes the road to success easier. Yet, it is knowing our weaknesses and limitations that saves us from wasting our energy and resources over something that is going to fail. It is Ok to GIVE UP when we realize that it is not working. Giving up on something doesn’t mean you have failed in life. Just because you have already spent so much energy doesn’t mean you should never give up on it. At times, the only thing we need to succeed is persistence. But there are times giving up becomes a chance for a new beginning. Turn around and look for other opportunities. The reality of life demands balance between persistence and giving up.

What do you need to consider when you are served with the tough choice between persistence and giving up? Especially when the going gets tough and there is no clear reason as to why you should persist. Ask yourself why you can’t give up.

1. Is it because you can‘t afford to lose?

Nobody is invincible. Check if the standard you have set for yourself is realistic. It is ok to lose. After losing everything he considered valuable in his life, this what Job said in the Bible “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21, NKJV).

2. Is it because you can‘t let your enemies see your failure?

In this case, your are living your life partly to the standard of your enemies. You have given them a room in your brain and they are attending a meeting in your cerebral cortex. They may laugh and rejoice to see you give up. But they will still laugh at you when you persist on something that is not working and fail in the end. They will laugh even more. It may hurt to see people who hate you laugh at your failure but you are not without hope. Shift your focus from your enemies to the God who can lift you up from any adverse circumstance. "My enemies, don't be glad because of my troubles! I may have fallen, but I will get up; I may be sitting in the dark, but the LORD is my light ( Micah 7:8, CEV)

3. Is it because you have invested so much on it that it is better to stay in it and lose it all than save some?

That little left over energy you will save by giving up may be what you will multiply on your next opportunity. Don‘t exhaust yourself over a failed attempt. Your new beginning may be a a small start but as long as you have God's favour, you will accelerate into success. "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be (Job 8:7, NIV).

4. Do you fear that you won’t have a second chance?

You barely find individuals who succeeded in their first choice or attempt. Most have to try many things at different times. Don‘t hold unto an opportunity as if it is the only way to succeed in life. Life offers multiple doors at different angles. Some doors are not visible until you turn back. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans. 8:28).

Glad you didn't GIVE UP on reading what I wrote.