You Can’t Quit Now: Choosing Faith in the Hardest Moments

By Paula Black

Whatever you may be facing right now, I want to speak directly to your heart.

Please don’t allow discouragement or despair to steal the future God has prepared for you.

I know that’s easy to say—and much harder to live out—especially when you’re dealing with illness, uncertainty, or a situation that feels far bigger than you. I’ve been there. When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and told I had only months to live, discouragement knocked loudly at my door every single day.

But here’s what I learned—and what I want to challenge you with today:

Don’t give up. You can’t give up.

When You’re Discouraged, Do What David Did

There’s a powerful scripture that has carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life:

“And David was greatly distressed… but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”—1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

David wasn’t just mildly discouraged. He was greatly distressed. Everything around him was falling apart—to the point that his men wanted to kill him. And yet, instead of waiting for someone else to lift him up, he encouraged himself in the Lord.

That is something every one of us can learn to do.

How I Learned to Encourage Myself

Encouraging yourself doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means intentionally turning your heart back toward God—especially when emotions, circumstances, or symptoms are screaming the opposite.

One of the most practical ways to do this is by going straight to God’s Word.

Just recently, I opened my Bible—not to teach, not to prepare content—but because I needed encouragement. I turned to the Gospel of John, and as I read, these words ministered deeply to me:

“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.” “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Those weren’t just words on a page. They were reminders of truth.

Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father. We are not alone. We are not powerless. And we are not forgotten.

Abide — Don’t Strive

Jesus also says something that changed how I approached healing and life itself:

“Abide in Me… for without Me you can do nothing.”

Abiding means remaining in—not striving, not forcing, not trying to fix everything in your own strength.

I learned that healing doesn’t come from panic or pressure or simply wanting it more passionately. It comes from staying connected to God, allowing Him to guide you, strengthen you, and reveal truth—step by step.

When I stopped trying to “do it all” myself and truly leaned on Him, everything began to change.

The Holy Spirit Will Guide You Into Truth

If you’re facing a long-lasting illness, ask God to guide you into all truth. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and He will show you what you need to know—sometimes in ways the medical system never addresses.

In my own healing journey, God gently revealed that the root of disease is often deeper than symptoms. He showed me emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle areas that needed attention—and as I followed His leading, healing came.

That journey is fully shared in my book Life, Cancer & God.

Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Encourage You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait for a phone call, the perfect message, or the “right” moment.

Go back to the Psalms. Read Proverbs. Listen again to teachings that once strengthened you. Speak the Word out loud. Build your faith.

I even encourage you to try this: Stand in front of a mirror and say,

“I can either stay distressed, or I can choose to be of good cheer. I choose faith.”

Lift your head. Speak truth. Remind yourself:

• I am not a quitter.

• I am not defeated.

• I am an overcomer through Christ.

• The battle belongs to the Lord.

• 
  

Victory Is God’s Will for You

Scripture tells us:

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 AMP)

Inside of you is the very life and nature of God. Even in the hardest moments, He is working things together for good, if you will stay in agreement with Him.

So don’t give up. Don’t quit. And don’t underestimate what God can do through a heart that stays connected to Him.

Encourage yourself in the Lord—and watch His victory unfold.

Standing in faith with you,

Paula Black