DON’T GIVE UP. These bold black letters jump off signs standing randomly in yards, fields, or along the road. A whisper of encouragement to a hurting someone gripping the wheel struggling to focus on the road, or cowering in a back seat. Feeling confused. Perceiving aloneness. Wearing a cloak of hopelessness. Inspirational signs dot the landscape across our country: “Don’t give up. You are loved. You matter. You have a purpose. Keep fighting.” The words intended for the someone at the end of their rope. Grasping for answers and hope.

Today, we shout the same message, but direct it to those on the other side of the crisis. To the one who loves the one who is hurting: the war-weary parent battling years of conflict with a confused, strong-willed, rebellious child; the sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle of the young adult who cannot find their way; the friend who has faithfully walked through years of struggle with another, now emptied of energy to engage. DON’T GIVE UP.

When we share an extended, difficult time with someone we love, for a known or unknown reason, who lash out in rebellion, bury themselves in addiction, or reel from deep-hurt, life grows exhausting. Like creeping vines overtaking a stone wall we feel entangled, tied down, strangled. Facing another day of the same drama or uncertainty takes effort. Wading through daily tasks feels like trudging through deep muck. Why? Because our heart is consumed with the hurting loved one. Our soul aches. Our mind numb, trying to figure things out; how to employ another tactic to help them. Frustrated to the core they do not receive the love and support right in front of them. We slump, weary of bucking-up for the next onslaught.

There comes a point when we launch one final attempt, then all that remains is prayer. So, that’s what we do. We fall on our knees until they are bruised and bleeding. We prostrate ourselves before the Lord God with a heavy burden for this one’s rebellion or pain. Prayer starts in the morning, for strength and grace for one more day. We enter a dark room and, before waking a struggling child, sit on the edge of their bed, laying hands on them in prayer. We stand in a teen’s room asking God to cast out and guard against any demonic presence, so in this space our loved one will not be tormented; creating a place of peace and quietness where God’s voice can be heard. We so tire of going in and out of our prayer closet all day, we just take the door off. We thrash at night, unable to sleep, battling to turn every worry and concern into prayer.

In my life, there is a lean-on-Jesus woman who prayed over her hurting, confused, rebellious children for years. In spite of the grief and wounds she bore as a result of our struggles, she persevered in unconditional love and prayer, through some very difficult times. Until each opened their heart and received the passionate, healing love and salvation of God. Are we willing to be that for our someone? Can we latch on to the commitment to “continue until”? Will we put on the armor and take up the weapons of spiritual warfare, standing in the gap for them?

We cannot give up. We cannot quit praying. A sermon from teen years echoes over the decades, encouraging praying for someone as long as needed. The stated challenge, “Don’t you give up. You may be the only one holding on to their lifeline as they flounder in the stormy waves fighting for their very life.”

My friend, if you are the one holding that rope for one who struggles, DON’T GIVE UP. Be wise to seek needed rest and counsel. Resist a co-dependent relationship. Share your burden with at least one other, so their loving support can hold you up. But, persevere in prayer. Endure the emotional rollercoaster.  Press on to finish this portion of your race. Stand firm against Satan’s whispers to throw your hands in the air and walk away. Stay the course. Allow a holy stubbornness to brace you. Hold onto His hand.

You are not alone. God hears your groaning. He remembers His covenant love for you. He sees. He is concerned. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Exodus 2:24-25)

Over and over in the scripture we read, “but God”. The pain may be unbearable..but God. All hope appears lost…but God. There are no answers…but God. My strength is gone…but God. Our Rescuer and Redeemer offers a true hope.  Our Father-God holds tight to us, so we can keep a firm grip on another. The mantra to not give up becomes a reality with God’s help.

Photo from http://Dontgiveupsigns.com/