Don’t Quit
I was encouraged a few months ago as we read through the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 and
how God walked with him through so many twists and turns in his life – events that probably
looked like accidents or mistakes at face value, but were obviously part of a grand design. While
I was reading through his life, the challenges he saw, the setbacks he endured, I was impressed
with one central thought that permeated his whole story. It was almost like there was a clear
command for anyone reading the story: “Don’t Quit”. Of course, as a pastor, I had to walk back
through the story and collect my thoughts on the moments that we often find ourselves quitting –
and here they are:
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Detour Announced. (Gen. 37)
Joseph, the favored son, is headed to check on his brothers in Sechem, and a random
individual stops him and sends him in another direction. That detour sent him from the relative
safety of Sechem and into the danger of Dothan. There are plenty of detours God brings into
our lives, but they are only bad from our point of view! The reality is, if God is changing your
path, it is for good! Don’t quit because of the detour!
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Disappointing Appointment. (Gen. 37)
When Joseph arrives in Dothan, his brothers – sick and tired of the favoritism and wild dreams –
decide it’s time for Joseph to have a time out, so they toss him in a pit. Hopefully none of us
have ended up in a pit physically, but I know plenty of times I have walked away from a meeting,
an appointment, or a conversation and found myself in an emotional or spiritual pit. But the “bad
things” that happen to “good people” are more often better things, because they bring us to the
place of brokenness and humility that allows God to work. Plenty of good people have landed at
their lowest point before they were able to move forward!
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Demeaning Assignment (Gen. 37)
I wonder if Joseph was sitting in the pit thinking “Well, it can’t get any worse from here.” And
then the Midianites make a pit stop and walk away with Joseph as their new slave. So in the
matter of a day, he goes from favorite son to forgotten slave. At the end of the day, whatever
God has called you to do, there’s a worse option out there. I would much rather be at the lowest
point of my life, in the center of God’s will, than on a mountain top of my own success and far
away from where He needs me. Those demeaning assignments are for His glory!
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Distracting Appeal (Gen. 39)
He goes from the pit to Potiphar’s house and into a pretty problem. Potiphar’s wife has her eye
on him and has no qualms about getting what she wants. And herein lies the greatest
temptation to quit on God, not when things are going badly, but when we see something that we
perceive as better than what God has planned for us. The sweetest temptation out there will
sour the stomach as soon as it’s ingested and cause us to wish we had simply been content
with God’s will and His timing.
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Direct Attack (Gen. 39)
Joseph proves he is committed to purity, honor, and following the Lord and is rewarded with
prison! Potiphar’s wife can’t tempt the young man to sin, so she lies to her husband, who tosses
him in the clink. The truth of the matter is, there can be “consequences” for remaining steadfast
and unmovable. Many Christians would rather quit and maintain their status quo with the world
around them than to protect their relationship and commitment to God.
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Devastating Abandonment (Gen. 40)
Round two. It’s hard to say if Prison was better than the Pit; there are definitely pros and cons.
Regardless, he’s back to square one, or whatever square is below that. Setbacks, failures, and
disappointments are difficult, but when they repeat, the weight is sometimes unbearable. And to
make matters worse, as often is the case, he gets a chance at freedom – but is forgotten by a
fellow prisoner and is left to rot. Disappointment, discouragement, and depression start to land
their blows. Many Christians make it through the first round, but the first time they get hit in
round two, that towel they could throw in gets more and more inviting as the weight of the blows
continues to drive them into the canvas. Don’t quit. Greater is He that is in you! God will
absolutely allow more than you can handle, so you rest in His strength and protection.
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Demanding Achievement (Gen. 41)
The pages turn on Joseph’s story, and he goes from Pit, Potiphar, and Prison to end up in the
Palace! Pharaoh dreams a dream that has everyone scratching their heads, including the Butler
– who suddenly remembers that the reason he still has a head to scratch is because of Joseph!
He tells the story to Pharaoh, who calls him up in desperation for some dream interpretation.
Joseph explains the dream and tells Pharaoh he better get moving before this famine hits.
Pharaoh does just that – and puts Joseph in charge of everything!
The crazy thing is, that if we put ourselves in Joseph’s sandals at this time, I think some of us
would actually look for the opportunity to back out of this. God has carefully directed and
prepared Joseph for this assignment, and he goes from prisoner to Pharaoh’s number two. God
calls people to incredible opportunities all the time, but they take one look at the daunting task
and run, scared to death of what God has called you to. Sometimes it’s not the depressing
obstacles that cause us to quit on God – it’s the divine opportunities.
Don’t Quit – When there’s a Divine Assignment (Gen. 41-45)
Joseph is on cloud nine. He has not only saved Egypt from the famine, but he has expanded the
nation both in wealth and in size. He has walked through each challenge with wisdom, patience,
and courage. He has represented himself well in all things, even when people are against him.
He has power, wealth, and authority. And then out of nowhere, his ten older brothers show up
wanting food, but more importantly, needing forgiveness.
I don’t think Joseph’s hardest challenge was watching his coat be torn and then getting thrown
into the pit, Potiphar’s wife’s lies, prison food, or the butler’s short-term memory loss. I think the
toughest challenge that Joseph and so many Christians face is to not quit when we have the
opportunity to show love, grace, and forgiveness. Joseph did save a nation with planning and
wisdom, but he also saved his family with tears and forgiveness.
Joseph had so many chances to quit – for bad and good reasons. But he, like Paul encouraged
us, ran his race with patience. I have no idea what tomorrow holds, and to be honest, I have
learned to not really worry about it. I have enough today to be concerned with, so I will commit
to not quitting today – no matter what the good or bad reason is. Don’t Quit!