SUNDAY SERMON: WHEN QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION

By Ewere Okonta, PhD

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One of the greatest tragedies in life is not failure; it is giving up too soon. Every day, people abandon their dreams, goals and aspirations because the journey becomes difficult. They quit their studies because the workload becomes overwhelming. They shut down their businesses because profits are not coming quickly enough. They withdraw from politics after a disappointing election. They abandon their talents because nobody seems to appreciate them. They walk away from their goals simply because the road to success is taking longer than they expected.

We live in a society that celebrates quick results. Everyone wants instant success, instant wealth, instant fame and instant recognition. Social media has made the situation even worse. Many people see the success stories but never see the struggles behind them. They see the beautiful houses but not the years of sacrifice. They see the graduation photographs but not the sleepless nights. They see the successful businesses but not the losses and disappointments that came before the breakthrough. As a result, many people become discouraged when their own journeys do not produce immediate results.

The truth, however, is that every worthwhile achievement requires persistence. Success is rarely a straight line. It is often a journey filled with obstacles, setbacks, disappointments and delays. The people we celebrate today are not necessarily those who never failed. They are those who refused to quit despite repeated failures.

Take a moment to think about some of the most successful people in the world. Many of them experienced rejection, criticism and disappointment before they achieved greatness. Their stories remind us that failure is not the end of the road. Instead, it is often part of the process that prepares us for greater opportunities ahead.

This message is particularly important for students, especially those pursuing postgraduate studies. There are times when academic work can become frustrating. Research may not go as planned. Supervisors may request endless corrections. Data collection may prove difficult. Defences may be postponed. Some students may even watch their colleagues graduate before them. In moments like these, quitting can seem like the easiest option.

Yet, those who eventually succeed are usually those who remain committed to the process. A delayed graduation does not mean failure. A difficult supervisor does not mean the end of an academic journey. Every correction, every challenge and every setback is part of the learning experience. The degree becomes more valuable because of the sacrifices made to earn it.

Entrepreneurs face similar challenges. Running a business is not easy. Customers may disappoint you. Business partners may fail you. Economic conditions may become unfavourable. Government policies may create unexpected obstacles. There will be periods when profits are low and uncertainty is high. During such moments, many business owners are tempted to give up.

However, history has shown that successful businesses are often built during difficult times. Many of today's thriving companies survived periods when their owners questioned whether they should continue. Their success was not a result of luck alone; it was the product of persistence, determination and resilience.

Workers and professionals also encounter challenges that can discourage them. Promotions may be delayed. Hard work may go unnoticed. Recognition may seem distant. It is easy to become frustrated when efforts are not immediately rewarded. Nevertheless, consistent excellence eventually attracts opportunities. Those who continue to improve themselves, develop new skills and remain committed to their responsibilities often position themselves for future success.

Politicians are not exempt from this reality. Public service can be filled with disappointments. Elections may be lost. Critics may be relentless. Supporters may disappear when challenges arise. Yet, many respected leaders experienced multiple setbacks before eventually earning the trust and confidence of the people they served. Political success, like every other form of success, often belongs to those who refuse to surrender.

The same principle applies to entertainers, writers, musicians, content creators and innovators. Many of the world's most celebrated talents were once ignored. Some performed before small audiences. Others struggled to find publishers, sponsors or supporters. Their eventual success came because they continued to create, improve and believe in themselves even when nobody else did.

One of the greatest mistakes people make is assuming that difficulty is a sign that they should stop. In reality, challenges are often signs that growth is taking place. Gold is refined through fire. Diamonds are formed under pressure. Strong character is developed through adversity. The obstacles we face are not always designed to destroy us; many times, they are meant to strengthen us.

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who refused to quit despite overwhelming odds. Noah continued building the ark despite public ridicule. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery and imprisonment before becoming a leader in Egypt. David faced a giant when everyone else was afraid. Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's walls despite fierce opposition. The Apostle Paul continued his ministry despite persecution and imprisonment. Above all, Jesus endured suffering and rejection because He remained focused on His divine mission.

These examples teach us an important lesson: great achievements are often preceded by great challenges. Those who make history are not usually those who have the easiest journeys. They are those who persevere when others would have given up.

This is not to suggest that people should remain in abusive relationships, dangerous situations or harmful environments. Wisdom sometimes requires us to leave what is destructive. However, we should never abandon our legitimate dreams, goals and aspirations simply because the journey becomes difficult.

Many dreams have died not because they were impossible but because their owners stopped trying. Many books remain unwritten because their authors became discouraged. Many businesses never reached their potential because their owners quit too soon. Many academic degrees were abandoned a few steps before completion. Many political careers ended before they truly began. Many talents were buried because their owners lost confidence in themselves.

Whenever you feel tempted to give up, remember why you started. Remember the vision that inspired you. Remember the goals you set for yourself. Remember the future you imagined. Most importantly, remember that every successful person has faced moments when quitting seemed attractive.

The difference between those who succeed and those who do not is often very simple. One group stopped. The other continued.

As you reflect on your life today, refuse to allow temporary setbacks to become permanent defeats. Refuse to let criticism destroy your confidence. Refuse to let delays weaken your determination. Refuse to let obstacles convince you that your dreams are unattainable.

Keep studying. Keep building. Keep serving. Keep creating. Keep believing. Keep moving forward.

Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

The road may be difficult, but the destination is worth it.

When life tells you to quit, tell life that quitting is not an option.

For history does not remember those who gave up halfway. It remembers those who persevered, overcame and finished their race with courage and determination.

This is the sermon from my holy pulpit!

Dr Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He is a family values advocate. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.