Don't Give Up

My father became a pastor in 1953, when I was just beginning third grade. I had watched my parents through Bible college and their faith made a deep impression on me. It was while in Springfield, where Dad was in college that I realized my need for a Savior. I was only 5 but it was real.

Unless you have lived in a pastor's home, you have no idea the hurts and the problems that dealing with people can bring. I have watched my parents go though much hardship with little to no money for feeding and clothing 5 children.

Along the way, there were many good times and exciting times as souls were saved and others led into the ministry.

But there were times when my dad would experience, as others did, a touch of depression. My mother was very concerned on one particular occasion and shared with me her burden for dad. That led to the following poem.

Don't give up,
Thought the way seems long,
Don't give up,
Though ALL goes wrong!

The God you served
For many a year,
Is here to comfort
And dry your tears.

Have not I heard you say before,
"Your life is a vapor"
So trust Him more.

The God you served,
Who in His grace,
Led you and fed you,
Is still in His place.

The pit may be deep,
The walls may be tall,
But there's still a Deliverer,
Who lift's when you fall.

He'll leave you there
Until you see,
It was in His love
He has chastened thee.

Oh taste and see,
That He is good,
His mercy is there,
Though not understood.

Oh, don't give up,
Though the battle's long,
The God that has led you,
Will still make you strong.

Give it to Jesus,
The fear and the doubt,
The Lord, Who's been with you,
Can still bring you out!!

July 20, 1993