From Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life by Charles Swindoll

I fear our generation has come dangerously near the ''I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-quit'' mentality. And not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a disciple, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short. Working through conflicts in marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere....

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was an evening to remember- black tuxedoes and long evening dresses, a high society extravaganza. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was in hopes that her boy would be encouraged to practice the piano if he could just hear the immortal Paderewski at the keyboard. So- against his wishes- he had come.

As she turned to talk with friends, her son could stay seated no longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand Steinway and its leather tufted stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play ''chopsticks.'' The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated and embarrassed, they began to shout:

''Get that boy away from here!''
''Who'd bring a kid that young here?''
''Where's his mother?''
''Somebody stop him!''

Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed towards the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a counter melody to harmonize and enhance ''chopsticks.'' As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy's ear:

Keep going. Don't quit, son. Keep on playing... don't stop; don't quit.

And so it is with us. We hammer away on out project, which seems about as significant as ''chopsticks'' in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give up, along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers:

Now keep going; don't quit. Keep on... don't stop; don't quit.

Is there a project in your life that you've given up on because of discouragement? No matter how great the task, God promises to help us through if we are obedient to him. Today, get back on track with your project and hold fast to the promise that God will see you through it.

Being obedient to God means allowing God to help you. Don't rely on your own strength and effort. He is God, trust in him. For he will never fail you. And for God, a promise is a promise. He will see you through. =)