BY ALLYNA YAU | EDITED BY KRYSTLE CHAN 

What makes us feel like giving up? Sometimes we just want to skip straight to the outcome rather than wanting to put in the effort to learn. We care too much about what people think of us and are afraid to receive criticism. Our words, thoughts and actions come from our hearts. Luke 6:45 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” We always hear of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart people giving us advice not to give up in everything we do. It is an easy phrase to say but it is not as easy his mouth speaks.” We always hear people giving us advice not to to put into practice when we are put in difficult situations – it requires great resolve and commitment to not give up in everything we do. It is an easy phrase to say but it is not give up in such situations. 

As a matter of fact, we should be persistent towards our goals. Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, once said “If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle, just hit the point then come back and hit again and again.” I have felt like giving up a zillion times on my studies. What has kept me going is the persistence to make things happen and understanding the truth in that we must take the initiative to do something in order to keep moving forward. 

Additionally, we should learn to feel uncomfortable and be aware of our habits. There are many habits that we already have such as brushing our teeth and eating rice as Asians. Nevertheless, life is not easy nor is it meant to be. When we feel stuck in a rut, we should try to revisit our goals. 

Now look at the picture on the left carefully.
Do you see a fashionable girl with a petite nose and demure presence?
Or do you see an old woman in her 60s who looks sad and has a huge nose?

If you can’t see the old lady, take a step back and keep trying! This illustration shows us how powerful our perceptions are in defining the situations we are in and that we are responsible in moulding our own point of view. This understanding is fundamental to the development of the habit of perceiving the weakness of others with compassion, instead of accusing them. You are responsible for choosing your response to a situation. If you start to think of a problem out there, control your thoughts and guard your heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” Proverbs 4:23. 

If you have made it this far, congratulations! Feeling like giving up is just a temporary feeling. We must be reminded that we have God, who will comfort us in difficult times. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” Psalm 23:4. 

My suggestion is to stick a bible verse on your bed or mirror as a reminder to yourself to not give up.