About thirteen years ago, right after my dad died, I felt like I gave up on life. I wasn’t going to end my life because I knew from experience the impact that would have on my family and loved ones. But I gave up on other things. The main thing I gave up on was myself. I don’t know why, how, or exactly when it happened. I remember feeling intense self-pity, like I couldn’t go on. I felt like Jonah sitting under the tree, mad at God. I had slammed the gavel on God and decided I was not turning my face toward Him for a while. Something emotional just dropped out from under me.

I gave up on everything except my kids and my responsibilities to them. Even then, I wondered, if I’m giving up on myself, won’t they see me? And when they do, am I also giving up on them?

It’s nice to be back to a better place. It took a while and I still have a ways to go. If I could talk to my former self, I’d say, don’t give up. Stop with the self-pity. Keep the patterns you learned and don’t stray an ounce. I know we all say this and it is platitudal and trite. But I often think this.

Self-pity played a big role in my situation. I was just kicking the dirt. I don’t know why and we don’t know what the straw is that will break the camel’s back, but we all have a breaking point. I guess I should have followed the principles of the sabbath the way I taught to others.

We all face hardships in life, and it’s tough. I’m not saying you’ll find redemption easily or that everything will turn around quickly. Life can be hell, but you’re likely further along than you think. Don’t give up. Keep pressing forward. Life is hard, but we can make it.

Let’s get back on the road together. God will use everything that’s broken inside you. I know it sounds cliché again, but clichés are clichés for a reason. I have to believe that as I continue to move forward, and I want you to believe that too.

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C Michael Patton
C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry

    5 replies to "Giving Up On Life"

    • Konstantin Aladieff

      Michael I enjoy your posts. You inspire me to keep going. Thank you brother!!

    • Ewan Kerr

      When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

    • C Michael Patton

      I’m sorry, Jim. Did you ever turn it around?

    • Mark Thompson

      I love to see a person come off the edge of life’s entanglement and to see the Holy Spirit revitalize them to become a great witness to a lost world searching for some meaningful existence. You testimony is great brother and many are in need to hear it.

    • thiago

      Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt story. Your honesty about your struggles and the journey back to a better place is truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, when it feels like everything has fallen apart, there is still hope and a path forward. The way you acknowledge the role of self-pity and the importance of perseverance resonates deeply, especially with anyone who has faced similar challenges.

      Your words about not giving up, even when it feels impossible, are a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to the strength we often don’t realize we have until we’re on the other side of our struggles. And your message about God using everything that’s broken inside us is a comforting reminder that our pain and hardships aren’t wasted—they can be transformed into something meaningful.

      Let’s all take your advice to heart: keep pressing forward, no matter how tough life gets. We can make it through, especially when we lean on our faith and each other. Thank you again for this uplifting and encouraging message.

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