Is your past holding you hostage?

My 16 year old son posted this picture on his facebook page: 

I think this is so true for most of us. We give up too easily!

Why?

Life is hard. Things happen. However, we should learn from the past and apply it to our future.

Giving up isn't helping at all. Giving up is just a way for your past to hold you hostage. Who wants to be in a hostage situation?

Paul told the people of Philippi that he was not giving up in Philippians 3:14, "14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Paul was beat up, flogged, thrown in prisons, shackled in dungeons, and chained to soldiers for his faith and the preaching that he did. He used to be a killer of Christians. He was a religious man at one point in his life. When he met Jesus on the road, his life changed forever. He didn't give up in the middle. He learned from his past and moved forward living for Christ and knowing that God was always with him no matter what.

Thankfully, we do not have to endure the things Paul did. Nevertheless, life can get you down. Don't give up! Press forward, toward your goals. God is with you. He promised to never leave us. Check in with some friends and family too. Get a support group together so you don't give up in the middle!

You've got this!