Don’t Turn Back

Times of trials can cause us to become depressed and discouraged. During these times we must remain faithful and keep moving forward, not looking back.

Both our life experiences and the Bible assure us that we will experience trials in life. Job observed that “man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). God’s Word provides many instructions on how we can navigate through the sorrows and troubles of life. In fact, Hebrews 11 is all about faithful men and women who successfully endured intense sorrow and trouble. They did not backslide or turn back.

The apostle Paul’s life was full of sorrow and trouble. Paul states: “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). The point is that despite what is happening around us, we must never give up!  

Even when we are in the worst circumstances, we can rely on God and trust that He is in control. He assures us that He “is faithful” and “will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God doesn’t promise that we won’t have trials; in fact, the Bible says trials will be a part of the Christian life (Acts 14:22). But He assures us that He will help us through them if we exercise faith and trust “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Turning back does not please God

Experience has shown us that some of God’s people can give up when they experience hard trials. Those who turn back often lose the trust and confidence that God wants us to exercise. He has called us to succeed and will provide the faith to overcome and endure through trials.

Notice the admonition of the apostle Peter: “When they learned about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they escaped from the filthy things of this world. But they are again caught up and controlled by these filthy things, and now they are in worse shape than they were at first. They would have been better off if they had never known about the right way. Even after they knew what was right, they turned their backs on the holy commandments that they were given” (2 Peter 2:20-21, Contemporary English Version).

Hebrews 10:26 thunders a warning to those who turn back: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left” (New International Version). Turning back to the filth of this world is dangerous and can result in the loss of eternal life.

We all go through periods when the sorrows and troubles of life seem unrelenting. We have two choices for how to respond: We can become depressed and spiritually disoriented (which can lead to turning back) or we can be renewed, empowered and faithful to God.

When we face trials, that is the time to focus and meditate on the scriptures that show God’s faithfulness to us and His plan—scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28.

“We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Contemporary English Version).

As the apostle Paul wrote: Never give up.

For further insight into never turning back, listen to the sermon “Never Give Up.”