Over the years I have noticed that there have been a lot of people I’ve known who started living in the things of God and then at some point in time, they walked away and gave up. There are several things that cause people to lose heart and give up.
1. The fear of failure
Because of past hurts, some have allowed fear of failure in life to enter in. They feel that it’s better to have never tried than to try and fail. This reason is a direct result of lack of belief in God’s Word.
2. The fear of what people will say
There are those who live their lives wondering what others are saying about them. The truth is that if you live your life based upon the words of other people, then it will be difficult for you to live your life based on the Word of God. There will always be those who don’t like you or understand you. So, get over it!
3. Believing the lies of Satan
In John 8:44 Jesus said that Satan was the father of lies and he will try to enter your thought realm any way he can. Every thought that comes up into the realm of your consciousness must be examined. If it is of God, receive it. If it is of the devil, reject it.
4. Walking by sight
Second Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we are to walk by faith and not by sight. In other words, we do not make our decisions based on what we see, but instead we make our decisions based on what God says.
5. Living outside the camp
When the apostles were released from prison, the scripture says that they returned to their own company. You must associate with other believers. Associating with the world will bring discouragement and disillusionment and will cause some to give up.
So when you feel like giving up, examine the source and remove it. Remember, God is the God of increase and completion. He never gave up on you, so don’t give up on His call for your life.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.