“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NIV)

He never knew how close

There’s a popular story about a man who was determined to create a new soft drink to rival the big names in the cola industry. He poured his time and energy into the project, naming his first formula One-Up—but it was a complete failure. Undeterred, he tried again with Two-Up, but that one flopped too. Still, he didn’t give up. He went on to create Three-Up, then Four-Up, Five-Up, and even Six-Up—each attempt ending in disappointment.

After the sixth try, he finally quit, worn out and discouraged. What he didn’t realize was that success might have been just one more try away. If he had held on a little longer, he might have reached Seven-Up—the name that eventually became one of the most well-known soft drinks in the world.

The lesson? Perseverance matters. You never know how close you are to a breakthrough until you keep going—especially when you're tempted to quit.

The Bible gives us many reasons to persevere and not to give up

• Don’t give up because you will be blessed

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)

• Don’t give up because you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses

“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,” (Heb. 12:1 ESV)

• Don’t give up so you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

• Don’t give up because the Lord is compassionate and merciful

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 ESV)

• Don’t give up and be saved

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13 ESV) 

• Don’t give up because Jesus is coming soon

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Rev. 3:11 ESV)

Therefore

Often, success is achieved by simply continuing to persevere in something -  by keeping on keeping on. No matter what! And as God’s children, we have the great advantage of His help!

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6 ESV)

(2 Chron. 15:7) “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

“If we endure, we will also reign with him;” (2 Tim. 2:12 ESV)