“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Several years ago, I bought some new furniture. Not the kind that comes assembled but the kind that comes in boxes of parts — lots of parts.

I quickly discovered assembly was going to be a slow process. Tedious instructions. Tiny tools. Pieces that needed to be glued together.

Even though I was extremely overwhelmed, I was not willing to give up because I’m not one to give in easily. I like to see a project of any kind through to completion. So as much as I wanted to go to sleep that night, I refused to until I was finished!

Maybe you also hate to give up or give in. Or perhaps you find it all too easy to throw in the towel. Either way, the truth is that there are times when we need to press on. We’ve all faced seasons and circumstances that require hard work and persistence. But is quitting always bad? Are there times and situations in which quitting is a good thing?

There’s a verse in the Old Testament that gives us a clue about separating what we want from what God wants, which can help us decide when quitting is OK.

Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (emphasis added).

This scripture reminds us there are plans we make, things we commit to and dreams we have, but not all of them may be from God. Our plans don’t always line up with God’s purposes.

So we need to be open and sensitive to how the Holy Spirit leads us. We need to be honest, teachable and discerning about when to keep persevering and when to call it quits. Maybe this applies to your job or a volunteer commitment. Maybe you’re wrestling with an ongoing relationship. Or it could be a dream you’ve established for this season of your life.

Sometimes it becomes obvious that our plans are not God’s purposes. Some things we are involved in can get in the way of giving ourselves fully to God’s priorities for us.

There are times when quitting is the right thing to do, and we need faith and courage to acknowledge that and take action. And then there are times when we quit for the wrong reasons. We lack the strength or moral fortitude to keep pressing on.

Whatever it is you’re thinking about quitting, prayerfully pursue God’s will, and He will provide clarity. Search God’s Word. Reach out to a trusted and godly leader, friend or family member. And above all, know that God is in control. He has promised to guide and direct your steps.

Lord, I want to honor You with the choices I make and the way I live my life. Please help me to discern what You have for me as I seek to follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Packed with encouragement, biblical advice, real-world help and personal discovery, Ruth Schwenk and Karen Ehman’s upcoming book, The Love Your Life Project, is a 40-day journey to help you prioritize your passions, cultivate productive habits, and refuel with times of rest. Life’s too short not to love it. Take a peek at The Love Your Life Project today!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).

What is Jesus asking you to release to Him today, trusting that He knows best?

Take the next few moments to write out a prayer. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment. Seek His will for what you need to keep enduring as well as what commitments, obligations or relationships you may need to quit.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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