No last straw

"The straw that broke the camel's back."

A cultural proverb says that too many straws or other items placed upon a camel to carry will break its back.

That's the idea of a last straw that's added to other straws or burdens someone carries in life.

And then we hear or read these words:

Don't give up!

It's easy to say and write it.

But when we've "had it up to here" and are "fed up" with things, how can we not give up?

Some situations may require that you leave to protect yourself or others with you.

Jesus said to his first followers, "When they persecute you in this city, flee into another." Matthew 10:23

When persecution came against believers, all left Jerusalem except the apostles. Acts 8:1

They didn't give up nor give in.

Jesus said, "In this world you'll have tribulation [trouble, pressure], but be of good cheer because I've overcome the world." John 16:33

Paul said that none of these things moved him, neither did he count his life dear to himself. Acts 20:24

Paul wrote that through much tribulation, believers enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

So, in light of these words, there doesn't have to be a "last straw" that would break our back and we give up.

Why not?

We can receive help from heaven --

To believers, the Holy Spirit is Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby. John 16:7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Jesus is our great high priest Who has passed into the heavens and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Hebrews 4:14-15

For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18

We can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

James wrote, Blessed are those who endure temptation and He gives more grace. James 1:12; 4:6

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

How many straws are you carrying right now?

"One too many," you may say.

Perhaps.

But we don't have to get near a "last straw" that would try to break us.

Consider the following words of victory in Christ. --

2 Corinthians 2:14

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Can we believe these words with childlike trust?

And say, "Lord, this is what I need from You now. Thank You so much."

Let's learn from Jesus Who was gentle and humble and bold when He needed to be. John 7:26

“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept My teachings and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Your thoughts?

R. Jason