Don’t Give Up! Keep Walking With the Lord

By Melissa McLaughlin

Fatigue wrapped around me like a weighted blanket. A ball and chain tugged each movement.

Unrelenting deadlines and an aging body reminded me. I felt exhausted. Catching a nap here and there wasn’t enough. I needed restoration from the inside out.

Exerting all my strength, I forced my body outside for an evening walk.

Fresh air filled my lungs. Birds flitted above and serenaded me in the trees. A newly budding bush thrust its blossoms in wonder.

Step by step, the God of life renewed my life.

I approached a bend in the path. Glancing to my right, the setting sun peeked through the cracks between trees and houses.

I trudged on. My pace still heavy, but my heart growing lighter.

After fifty more steps, I turned to look again.

From this new vantage point, the sky opened to a great expanse. Rays of burning light exploded from the sun. The clouds radiated a golden glow, a living canvas touched by the Artist’s fiery brush.

I stopped in my tracks, holding my breath. My eyes scanned the scene in silence. My heart arose. The sky stretched long and high in resplendent amber hues. The sacred view captivated my soul.

Pausing there, I wondered at the perfect timing. If I had arrived too soon, the sunset’s colors, not yet formed, would appear washed out. Too late and the sun would have ducked below the horizon, hiding its glory.

In addition, if my tiredness had caused me to turn back earlier, just fifty steps ago, I would have missed this heavenly display. I could not have foreseen what awaited me while the sun remained camouflaged a few paces back.

My willingness to keep plodding along, despite weary bones, earned me this treasured moment.

This simple reward for not giving up reminded me of many Bible verses encouraging grit and endurance.

Nothing fancy, mind you. No creativity, no finesse, no pizazz.

Rather, sheer and simple faithfulness.

Don’t Give Up, Keep Walking With the Lord

Here are a few of my favorites:

Galatians 6:9 (ESV) – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV) – So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

Job 23:10 (ESV) – But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

Matthew 25:23 (ESV) – His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Are you feeling weary, weak, or worn out? You are not alone, my friend.

Don’t give up! Keep walking with the Lord. Keep moving forward. One stride at a time.

The Lord is with us. Who knows what is just around the bend? Best of all, He is our great Reward!

Do you have a Bible verse or a story that reminds you to keep going and not to give up? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Exciting News for My Readers:

Portions of The Whole Bible Devotional are now available on the YouVersion Bible app! Invite your friends and family to read with you!

If you’d like to join me, I’d love to read with you!

• Would you read the Bible Plan, “Praying From the Gospels,” with me?
• We’ll start on Tuesday, April 8^th. This is a 4-day Bible plan.
• Click here to sign up on the YouVersion Bible app.

• Would you read the Bible Plan, “Praying Words of Wisdom From the Bible,” with me?
• We’ll start on Tuesday, April 15^th. This is a 5-day Bible plan.
• Click here to sign up on the YouVersion Bible app.

• Would you read the Bible Plan, “Praying From Paul’s Letters,” with me?
• We’ll start on Tuesday, April 22^nd. This is a 13-day Bible plan.
• Click here to sign up here on the YouVersion Bible app.

Christlit Award News!

I’m excited and humbled to announce that The Whole Bible Devotional won the Christlit award for excellence in Christian literature! To God be the glory!

Thank you to all the gracious people who supported me, read my book, wrote reviews, and prayed for me. Thank you to my agent, Dave Fessenden and CLC Publications.

Would you like to grasp the Bible as a whole and see Jesus throughout? I hope you’ll check it out.

Below is an endorsement from Louise Jane, CEO of Christlit Awards.

The Whole Bible Devotional, penned by Melissa A. McLaughlin, is a testament to the author’s God-given abilities and beneficially imparts the spiritual treasures that are discovered through the exploration of the Bible.

It stands out as a brilliant and transformative creation, designed to make the scriptures more approachable and engaging. By breaking down the complexities of the Bible into manageable segments, it converts the often daunting task of reading the entire text into a joyful expedition. With just 66 thoughtfully curated readings, readers can immerse themselves in the Bible’s grandeur, discovering its powerful teachings and essential messages without feeling overwhelmed.

Each reading serves as a gateway to understanding the core themes of the Bible, with a particular emphasis on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, our Savior. McLaughlin’s work invites readers to deepen their relationship with Him, fostering a sense of connection and reverence. Accompanying each reading is a beautifully crafted prayer, which resonates deeply and touches the soul, enriching the journey and making it a truly transformative experience.

Moreover, The Whole Bible Devotional is not only a personal treasure but also an ideal gift for others; perfect for Bible study groups, families, or anyone who struggles to find time for scripture in today’s fast-paced world. It rekindles a love for the Bible, encouraging readers to engage with the text more readily and eagerly. By providing a comprehensive overview, this devotional inspires a desire to delve deeper into the entirety of the Bible, making it an invaluable resource for both seasoned believers and those new to the faith.

-Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards