Don't Give Up: Faith That Gives You the Confidence to Keep Believing and the Courage to Keep Going

by Kyle Idleman

The parent with the wayward child. The couple whose marriage is in jeopardy. The man who is out of work. The woman stuck in crushing debt. The patient with a bad diagnosis. The student who can't get a fair shake. People hanging by a thread, losing faith and short on strength. What do they all need to hear?

Don't give up.

Our lives are minefields of challenges that take their toll on our courage, our conviction, and even our faith. But God whispers to the weary, Don't give up . Drawing from inspiring biblical stories and first-person testimonies of perseverance, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman encourages readers to cast their concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience and strength, and seek out support in the family of God.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Kyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fifth largest church in America. The bestselling author of the award-winning book Not a Fan and AHA is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I agreed to preview and help promote Kyle Idleman's new book, Don't Give Up:  Faith that Gives You the Confidence to Keep Believing and the Courage to Keep Going, I had no idea what God was up to or how he would use this book in my life beyond just another great resource with which to help others.On February 11th, my family received a phone call saying that my father-in-law was not not doing well.  We had just been up to see him on Sunday, the 10th, and had returned home.  By the time my wife drove the two hours from our home to her folks', he was gone.  He had gone home to be with his Lord and Savior.  This was not necessarily unexpected as he had been on hospice for some time, but that did not make it any less difficult for our hearts to accept.I had just begun reading Don't Give Up and was reminded of the faith of those in the Hall of Faith as Idleman describes them in the book.  Little did I know how much I would need these reminders in the days ahead.Less than two weeks later, I was in my kitchen and received a phone call from my aunt informing me that my grandmother had just died.  While this might not seem so unexpected or difficult for some, my situation is a little unique in that my grandmother and grandfather raised me and my brother and sister.  She had been under a doctor's care for cancer and he had given her between two weeks and two years to live.  She was 95.  She lived one week.I packed some things to leave and was reminded of what I was reading in Don't Give Up as I threw the book into my book bag and grabbed it and my suitcase to travel and be with my family in our loss.  Since my grandfather was also gone, I knew that my brother and sister and aunt and uncle would be having a hard time as well.  I was reminded of the faith of Abraham who took Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice him.  Abraham did not know that God was going to stop him from sacrificing his son.  He just obeyed.  If he could do that hard things, surely I could face the death of another loved one in such a short time.As I was driving the three hour journey to my hometown where I grew up, I received another phone call.  This one was different.  My 30-year-old daughter had just been found dead in her apartment by her husband.  I was shocked.  Honestly, I don't know how I kept driving.  Through tears and cries of denial and asking God that it not be so, I turned around to head back to the city in which my daughter and her husband lived.  As I was driving, crying, making various arrangements to be gone for an extended period of time with my church, I kept remembering quotes from the book:"When you have a few pieces but no big picture, it's easy to give up.""There are moments when you find out if you really believe what you say you believe.  Faith, at such times, is confidence the picture is there, even though it looks like chaos.""Faith that gives you the confidence to keep believing and the courage to keep going is not faith in life's circumstances; it's faith in God's character."I know that it might sound cliche', but these quotes are things that I know, but things that I needed to be reminded of and Don't Give Up as provided those reminders.  If I had not been reading Idleman's book, I am sure that God would have comforted me another way, but the timing was perfect for the pain I would face.  God has used this book to comfort, challenge, and redirect me.  I am not saying that I am back together yet, but I think Don't Give Up has helped to make sure the pieces are not quite as small and the process seems to be a little smoother; only time will tell.While I certainly have faith in God, people praying for me, and other resources to help, I thank God for this book, which is based on the Bible, and for His timing in having me read it.  I would highly recommend reading this book.  You needn't fear that things will happen to you while you read it, like it did to me, but it will prepare you for times when they do.If you would like more information on this book, visit dontgiveup.media.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, very well written book!!! Humorous, convicting, inspiring, and it was hard to put down.

[Hunter Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid. It’s Kyle so I had higher expectations. Solid, doesn’t make any point without backing it up with Scripture.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew. This book has helped my troubled heart during this time. He gives some refreshing biblical perspective that has reminded me not to lose heart and not give up. You should definitely read this if you’re in a season of struggle.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't stop, won't stop...this is how Pastor Idelman defines "compel," which is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:14--"Christ's love compels us." This love inspires him to get up in the morning. It is "so gripping that I can't stop and I won't stop, even if I could." It's like we are running the Boston Marathon and came to "Heartbreak Hill," in mile 19, and yearn to persevere through till the end.

This book primarily focuses on Galatians [emphasizing grace and avoiding self-righteousness] and Hebrews [emphasizing hope for the weary and discouraged]. Idleman beautifully weaves stirring Scripture smoothly into the book, provides often perfect examples/illustrations from the culture to make certain points, and injects a powerful punch of research from psychologists [and other specialists].

He deals with the influential "weight" in people's lives [anxiety, religion, lies we believe, & unbelief], and encourages the reader to continue moving forward, progressing, and maintaining or obtaining confidence despite our challenges. What gets exposed is that IF our confidence comes in anything other than God, it will ultimately fail at some point and we'll be empty and broken.

Idleman emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus [Hebrews 12:1-3]. He shared a very encouraging story of how he helps those who are on their death beds as they prepare to leave this world. He recommended Joni Eareckson's book "Heaven," which sounds inspirational. Then 1 Corinthians 2:9 is highlighted--"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him." There's NOTHING like God!!! His love is compelling us:

Don't...Give...Up...

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all face hard times, tough stuff, and moments when we want to quit both in life and spiritually. Idleman looks at things that shake up faith the most and the benefits of perseverance. Using illustrations he makes up, stories from real life, and loads of Scripture, he encourages people of faith to keep going.

Idleman's writing is extremely readable, very relatable, and applicable to people in all sorts of life stages or facing any number of issues. Even for those whose walk is pretty easy right now, this is a great read and reminder of the promises of God, the perks of perseverance, and the lies we too easily buy into. It is challenging in a good way, and a refreshing read for any Christian. My husband and I read this together for daily devotions, and it was also a good read aloud. Highly recommended to any Christian.

[Brandon Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read about finding hope when there seems to be none. I like how Idleman adds the personal stories of his friends, in their own words. They are like a modern cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews (and this book) cheering us on to keep going.

[Lisa Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement!

[Aaron Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. The book helped me to keep pressing for the blessing God has for me. Don't let failures and circumstances hold you back. This is a must read.

[Tomasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

UWIERZ (ALE NIE W SIEBIE)

To zupełnie normalne, że przechodzimy przez trudniejsze okresy w naszym życiu. Zwłaszcza aura jesienno-zimowa temu sprzyja, więc nie czuję się wyjątkiem, w tym, że miałem ostatnio „słabsze” dni. Dobrze się złożyło, że towarzyszyła mi w tym czasie książka „Nie poddawaj się” Kyle’a Idlemana (nie bardzo wierzę w przypadki). Na samym wstępie pragnę zaznaczyć, że podtytuł: „Wiara, która daje ci siłę, by nie porzucać nadziei, i odwagę, by iść na przód” nie jest zachętą do samorozwoju. Przeciwnie – wzywa do tego, by swoje zaufanie złożyć w Kimś dalece większym, niż wszystko co zdaje się nas zatrzymywać i przytłaczać.

Jeśli mnie znacie, to wiecie, że jestem za delegalizacją coachingu. Nie dlatego, że nie działa. Bynajmniej! Gdybym tak twierdził, byłbym hipokrytą. Pracując w korporacji, przez lata korzystałem z licznych szkoleń. Wiem jak wiele zależy od naszego nastawienia i wiary w to, że coś możemy zrobić. Na jednym z takich szkoleń uwierzyłem, że „ograniczenia znajdują się jedynie w mojej głowie” i mogę rozłupać deskę uderzeniem dłoni. Rzeczywiście to zrobiłem. Zarówno ból ręki jak i deska (którą zachowałem na pamiątkę) były bardzo prawdziwe. Jednak z czasem dotarło do mnie, że wiara w siebie (choć na krótki dystans może dawać zadziwiające rezultaty) koniec końców prowadzi nas na manowce. Trzeba pamiętać, że ponad wszystkim znajduje się Bóg, a wiara ulokowana w Nim jest najlepszą polisą na życie. To przekonanie dzielę z autorem książki „Nie poddawaj się”.

PROSTO Z SERCA I PRZEŻYCIA

Kyle Idleman jest amerykańskim pastorem, który prowadzi zbór w stanie Kentucky. Pisałem o nim więcej przy okazji recenzji książki „Koniec mnie”. „Nie poddawaj się” (wydane w 2019 roku) to bodajże już ósma książka tego pastora. Trzyma wysoki poziom poprzednich, które miałem okazję przeczytać – zarówno w doborze ilustracji jak i głębi duchowych refleksji. To są dwie najmocniejsze strony książek Kyle Idlemana. Literacko – choć nie jest to grafomania – nie spodziewajcie się wielkich fajerwerków. Liczcie się również z tym, że specyficzne poczucie humoru autora nie koniecznie musi wam przypaść do gustu (nawet dla mnie – fana sucharów – niektóre żarty były mocno czerstwe). Jednak nie można odmówić Kyle’owi, że pisze z serca i przeżycia. Przechodząc od akapitu do akapitu, coraz bardziej towarzyszy nam pewność, że ten człowiek wie o czym pisze. Jest w tym prostolinijny, szczery i konfrontujący. A to sprawia, że choć momentami lektura „Nie poddawaj się” może być mało komfortowa, to jeśli odważymy się na zupełną otwartość z samym sobą, może sprawić, że pewne sprawy w naszym życiu ulegną zmianie.


NIEOGRANICZONY POTENCJAŁ (?)

Kyle Idleman wie sporo na temat coachingu. Szkolenia, które nad Wisłą zyskują na popularności, za oceanem znane są od lat. Ten korporacyjny know-how dotarł do nas w dużej mierze właśnie z USA. Autor „Nie poddawaj się” zachęca nas do tego, by przyjrzeć się faktom, zamiast dawać wiarę chwytliwym hasłom, które mają nas mentalnie podbudowywać. Czy nasz potencjał naprawdę jest nieograniczony? Czy nasz potencjał nie jest raczej zbliżony do potencjału innych ludzi?

"Uczy się nas, abyśmy wierzyli w siebie oraz że możemy być, kim zechcemy. Mówi się nam: „Tylko uwierz a będziesz mógł to osiągnąć. Twój potencjał jest w zasadzie nieograniczony”.
To nas nakręca, sprawia, że pędzimy, aby zawojować świat, i jest wspaniale. Aż przestaje być wspaniale, to dzieje się dość szybko. Na czym się to opiera? Ostatecznie pewność siebie zostaje obnażona. Zostajemy zmuszeni, by przyznać, że jednak nie mamy tego, co potrzeba. Dzieje się coś i okazuje się, że nie możemy osiągnąć tego, co zechcemy, po prostu w to wierząc. Nasz potencjał nie jest jednak nieograniczony.
Twój potencjał jest zbliżony do potencjału innych ludzi. Ktoś powiedział, że jesteś „Jeden na milion” i to prawda. To samo dotyczy tego gościa, o tam. I tamtej dziewczyny. I każdej osoby z tego miliona. Każdy jest jeden na milion, prawda? Więc co tak naprawdę nas wyróżnia?
Czytałem niedawno o stronie dla randkowiczów, która ujawniła, w jaki sposób użytkownicy odpowiedzieli na jedno konkretne pytanie w ich ankiecie. Portal zapytał: „Czy jesteś geniuszem?”.
Wyniki pokazały, że blisko połowa przedstawicieli jednej płci odpowiedziała twierdząco. Połowa mężczyzn potwierdziła swój status geniusza. Statystycznie rzecz biorąc, tylko około jedna na tysiąc osób może faktycznie być geniuszem. To oznacza, że pięciu na dziesięciu mężczyzn uważa, że są jak jeden na tysiąc. Jak wyjaśnić tę statystyczną anomalię? Zgaduję, że większość tych mężczyzn ma wielką pewność siebie, która nigdy nie została poddana próbie.
Jeśli twoja pewność złożona jest w tobie, w końcu dojdzie do próby i okaże się, że trochę ci brakuje.
Niektórzy z was wiedzą dokładnie, to mam na myśli, bo udawało ci się żyć w oparciu o swoją pewność siebie i szło ci całkiem nieźle. Wszystko było dobrze aż do tego dnia, kiedy nastąpił wielki test."

WIĘKSZOŚĆ Z NAS WIERZY W KŁAMSTWA

Kyle Idleman nie wzywa nas do tego byśmy zaczęli myśleć o sobie źle. Nie o to chodzi. Warto jednak patrzeć realistycznie na fakty, a nie zakłamywać rzeczywistość. Oczywiście – można (nawet przez długi czas) udawać, że jesteśmy kimś lepszym. Ale czy warto? Czy jest taka potrzeba? Do czego to nas doprowadzi? Czy nie jesteśmy tym już dostatecznie zmęczeni w dobie cukierkowych zdjęć na Instagramie?

"Większość z nas wierzy w kłamstwa. Nie wiemy, że to kłamstwa. Gdybyśmy wiedzieli, pewnie nie wierzylibyśmy w nie.
Ponieważ jednak wierzymy w kłamstwa, to żyjemy zgodnie z nimi, prawda? Jeśli wierzysz, że nie powinno się pływać bezpośrednio po jedzeniu, nie będziesz tego robić. To daje kłamstwu taką władzę nad tobą, jakby była to prawda. Przez stulecia ludzie wierzyli w kłamstwo, że ziemia jest płaska. Ponieważ tak wierzyli, nie oddalali się zbytnio na otwarty ocean, nie chcieli spaść z krawędzi.
Jeśli uwierzysz w kłamstwo, zmieni się twój styl życia. Oczywiście, jeśli unikałeś pływania po jedzeniu, to nic wielkiego się nie stało – podobnie gdy unikałeś połykania gumy do żucia. Ale co, jeśli wierzysz w znacznie bardziej poważne kłamstwa, co skutkuje poważnymi konsekwencjami? (…) Czy możliwe, że przyjąłeś za prawdę rzeczy, które wcale prawdą nie są?
(…)
Porównujemy normalne życie z wyselekcjonowanymi chwilami wyidealizowanego życia ludzi i mamy poczucie, że wypadamy na tym tle kiepsko. Zaczynamy myśleć, że nie mamy tego, co trzeba.
To nieprawda. Nie jest to prawdą, ponieważ większość rzeczy, które widzisz w mediach społecznościowych, nią nie są. Czy wiesz, że badania pokazują, że kiedy ktoś ma kłopoty finansowe, zwykle wstawia zdjęcia siebie wydającego pieniądze? Ludzie, którzy mają problemy w małżeństwie, częściej dzielą się zdjęciami romantycznej randki z małżonkiem. Dlaczego? Ponieważ chcą ukryć swoje obawy. Ale my przypatrujemy się temu i myślimy: „Nie jestem tak dobry jak oni. Nie mam tego, co trzeba, żeby żyć w taki sposób”."

Dopiero gdy zdemaskujemy kłamstwo, możemy się od niego uwolnić. Kyle Idleman bardzo szczerze (momentami wręcz brutalnie) obnaża prawdę o nas samych. Jeśli się z nią zmierzymy, będziemy gotowi wykonać kolejne kroki. Może nie być to dla nas najprzyjemniejsza podróż, ale „nie poddawaj się”, warto ją rozpocząć:

Tak wiele wolności kryje się w rezygnacji z obsesji na punkcie tego, co uważają i mówią inni. Wspaniale jest przestać być kimś, kim się nie jest, i zacząć pasować do pasującej jak ulał indywidualny i samodzielnej istoty, jaką Bóg chce cię widzieć.

Dlaczego? Ponieważ każdy człowiek, wszyscy – w tym ja i ty – Jesteśmy wadliwymi, krusi i niespójni. Dlaczego mielibyśmy polegać na akceptacji ze strony innych, którzy są tak połamani, jak my? Kiedy przychodzimy do Boga po Jego łaskawą aprobatę i kochającą akceptację, znajdujemy największą dostępną wolność. Znajdujemy tam prawdziwą wolność, pokój i radość, kiedy przestajemy przejmować się akceptacją ze strony innych i po prostu odpoczywamy w akceptacji, jaką daje Bóg.


A MOŻE WARTO SPRÓBOWAĆ ?

Wielu ludzi z automatu odrzuca wszystko co związane z chrześcijaństwem. Nieraz słyszę zdanie typu: „To nie dla mnie”. Ludzie skrzywdzeni przez ten czy inny kościół, albo sfrustrowani hipokryzją duchownych, zamykają się na wszystko co wiąże się z wiarą w Boga. Jeśli chcesz się już poddać, a najróżniejsze metody radzenia sobie z samym sobą i życiem, nie zdały dotychczas egzaminu, może jednak warto spróbować zwrócić się do Boga? Nie do kościoła. Nie do księży czy innych kapłanów. Po prostu do Boga? Kyle Idleman daje w swojej książce konkretne wskazówki jak to uczynić w prosty sposób.

"Moment porażki – chwila gdy chcemy wznieść ręce w geście poddania się – wydaje się najbardziej samotnym zakątkiem świata rzeczywistość jednak jest to doskonała chwila, aby doświadczyć siły i zaopatrzenia Boga, ponieważ, jak się okazuje, desperacja przyciąga uwagę Boga. Jeśli prześledzisz tę myśl w Piśmie Świętym, przekonasz się, że wyzwolenie pochodzące od Boga często następuje tuż po czasie desperacji. Jego błogosławieństwo zwykle popada w stan złamania. W całej historii jego najpotężniejsi słudzy wyrastali z miejsca spustoszenia i klęski."

"Ale co, jeśli desperacja to łaska w przebraniu? Co, jeśli walka i przebicie się przez mrok to droga do błogosławieństwa? Najkrótsza droga wyjścia z desperacji może wieść przez jej przyjęcie zagłębienie się w nią. Przebicie się przez jej mroki."

"Dziwne jest to, że często Boga można zobaczyć najwyraźniej w największych mrokach życia. Cisza pozwala usłyszeć, jak mówi. Izolacja pozwala się z Nim połączyć. Nigdy nie doświadczysz lepszego czasu na odkrycie, kim On naprawdę jest. A zatem podam ci pewien pomysł. Zamiast uciekać od ciemności, zanurz się w nią. Zamiast rezygnować, złap się Boga i nie puszczaj. On ma dla ciebie błogosławieństwo, ale być może będziesz musiał o nie walczyć."

"Kluczowym elementem jest wiara. Cała moc znajduje się w Chrystusie, ale wiara jest przyciskiem, który ją aktywuje. Czy masz tę wiarę? Czy wierzysz, że Jezus jest większy niż twój grzech i ciągnąć swoich pleców cały ten ciężar?"


SPOŁECZEŃSTWO POGUBIONYCH LUDZI

Niedawno miałem okazję przeczytać kilka tekstów Józefa Tischnera (zebrane w zbiorze „Wolność człowieka gór”). Już w latach 90-tych dokonał on ciekawej obserwacji społeczeństwa:

„Dziś ludzie zakrywają przed sobą swój strach. Udają odważnych. I to właśnie sprawia, że stają się nieczuli na słowa życia. Nie potrzebują Kościoła, Ewangelii. Wydaje się im, że są wolni. Dopiero w dniu, w którym staną oko w oko ze swoim strachem, zobaczą, jakimi byli niewolnikami”.

Jakże trafna okazała się ta diagnoza. Choć coraz więcej posiadamy, coraz więcej potrafimy i coraz więcej możemy – jednocześnie coraz bardziej paraliżuje nas lęk. Oczywiście dzieje się to w sferze tabu. Nie mówimy o tym głośno. Uśmiechamy się i robimy sobie piękne zdjęcia nad pięknymi potrawami, w najpiękniejszych miejscach. Kryjemy się za maskami, a jednocześnie kalendarze psychoterapeutów pękają w szwach. Choć mało kto odważa się publicznie o tym pisać – jesteśmy społeczeństwem pogubionych ludzi.

"Lęk spowalnia wszystkich. Zwróć uwagę na to co dzieje się wokół nas, a przekonasz się, że to prawda. W swojej książce Anxiety Free („Bez lęku”) psycholog Robert Leahy zauważa, że „przeciętne dziecko dzisiaj wykazuje ten sam poziom lęku, co przeciętny pacjent u psychiatry w latach 50.”

Jednak wcale nie musi tak być w naszym życiu. „Nie poddawaj się” takiemu porządkowi rzeczy. Choć twój potencjał jest zbliżony do potencjału innych ludzi – nie musisz żyć w lęku. Możesz być wolny od masek i potrzeby imponowania innym ludziom. Możesz żyć pięknym życiem, które ma sens i cel. „A co jeśli desperacja to łaska w przebraniu”? Może jesteś już bardzo blisko ważnego przełomu w swoim życiu. Jeśli sobie nie radzisz – jest Bóg, który chętnie pomoże ci poskładać twoje życie.

Są książki, które czytamy bo są pięknie napisane. Są książki, po które sięgamy ponieważ opowiadają wzruszające albo mrożące krew w żyłach historie. Są książki, które przedstawiają nam sylwetki tych, których podziwiamy, choć nigdy nie mogliśmy ich spotkać. Lubię wszystkie z powyższych. Jednak najcenniejsze są dla mnie te książki, które mnie konfrontują i zachęcają do zrewidowania sposobu myślenia. Bez dwóch zdań Kyle Idleman pisze tego rodzaju książki. To już kolejna spod jego pióra, którą z całego serca mogę Wam polecić.


PS. Zapraszam też na bloga: atypowy.com
oraz IG:@cien_mgly

[Mary Farrar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never really got anything of value out of this book. He basically was just telling everyone to suck it up. Other than that I liked the way the book was set up.

[Samantha von Delvaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idleman seems like one of those really cool hip pastors. I enjoy his flavor texts marked from asterisks. The book itself has some good content, but I feel some of the situations he talks about really show the extreme end of bad habits rather than what typically happens.
I have to knock the story about the couple where the husband kept leaving and coming back and finally they ended up back together and started a marriage therapy. As someone who was ditched by their father because he met someone new and seeing how much pain that put us all through (except him of course), I think there is a difference between forgiving somebody and putting somebody in the position to hurt you and your family over and over (as the husband clearly did). I just couldn't see the inspirational side to it and it sounded more like an abusive marriage. I think the woman was a fool to take him back and I know I wouldn't want a couple giving my husband and I therapy knowing their story. Truly strong couples keep working it out and grow together, not play off and on when they feel like it.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using Hebrews 11 and Hebrews 12 as the foundational scriptures, this book takes you on a journey of exploring what it really means to "run with perseverance, the race marked out for us." It views encouragement as a battle cry. It's a call to move, to act, and to advance. As I read through the book, I was most impacted by:

1) It's relatability. There'a an authenticity in the stories shared, illustrations provided, and lessons taken from both. You can see yourself in this book. It doesn't feel like it's with you in mind so that you are encouraged to continue on. One of the sentences that stood out to me is that regard is this "In the moments of life where we feel exhausted and are struggling to keep going, it makes a difference to hear those voices from Scriptures, a cloud of witnesses who are alive and counting on us." A marathon example is given in detail to help us relate to the power of a group of people cheering you on to the finish line. There is power drawn from that type of support.

2) It's practicality. It's not formulaic. There are no pact answers given or platitudes offered. Feelings are not dismissed as illegitimate, rather, the context through which we tend to view the circumstances of our lives and the auto-response we tend to operate within are challenged. Early on within the book, your presented with the notion that "not giving up" is a choice. It's a decision that we're fully capable of making and continuing to act upon.

3) It's understanding of the human condition, including the spiritual nature of our existence. I especially like the start of section 2 that goes "Sometimes we think we need comfort when what we really need is courage. Sometimes what we want is sympathy when what we're really missing is strength. Sometimes we want someone to feel sorry for us when what we really need is someone to challenge us."

4) It's exploration of the things that truly hinders us which happens to include religion. The difference between religion and Christian faith is well-explained within. The first binds while the latter frees.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for both individual and group study for all age groups. I wouldn't rush through the contents but really explore those moments when people felt like given up and did not and those times when they did -- what made the difference. Use this book to learn people's stories and to build each other's adversity quotient -- as iron sharpens iron.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus and were, well, "not a fan", haha, please "don't give up" on Kyle Idleman, like I almost did. I had heard so much about that book and how wonderful and fantastic it was. But I read it and wasn't all that impressed. Maybe if I hadn't heard about it ahead of time I would have liked it more? Maybe it wasn't the right time for me to read it and I should give it another shot? I don't know.

THIS book, though, I really did enjoy and found to be quite impressive, notably the ending.
Especially profound is the section at the end in which he describes going to visit a dying man who is non-stop smiling, and when he (Idleman) asks his family what's going on (the man is uncommunicative by this point) they try to say it's just the drugs, don't pay any attention, he's delirious, whatever. But then this dying man motions over to a small pile of books on a table across the room and there, Idleman discovers a book about Heaven (Heaven: Your Real Home) and the man kind of nods like, "Yes! That's why I'm smiling!" So Idleman brings the book over to the man, who is beyond wanting to/being able to read at this point, but he just tucks it between his arm and body and the dying man continues smiling and kind of nods off. WOW WOW WOW. (Steve Jobs' supposed last words BTW. Totally different context.)

These seemingly small, but actually huge, events are what give me such immense hope and comfort. When I miss a loved one who has died and it hurts so much I don't think I can stand it, or just when everyday life and its occasional accompanying stress, anxiety, exhaustion, sickness, hurt, pain, etc. try to get me down, I remember these (true) stories and know that this, too shall pass, and that we have such beauty and endless joy and rest awaiting us if we don't give up, run the race with our eyes on the prize, and trust God to help us with everything we will need to make it to the end.

Recommended very highly!

[Craig Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Give Up by Kyle Idleman
Final Review

Don't Give Up is rooted in Hebrews 12:1-3
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..."

Chapter 1 - Speaks to having faith and trust in God through the illustration of trying to put a puzzle together but not having box cover as a point of reference. If we trust the puzzle maker and keep putting pieces together eventually we will see the big picture. The Bible is full of witnesses who were imperfect but are heros because of their great faith. Kyle also reminds us that faith always requires risks.

I have read every book Kyle has written (multiple times...) And Chapter 2 "Keep Fighting" to me is the most moving, relatable, convicting thing Kyle has ever written. Jacob is the illusration here, how he cheated and ran from responsibility and consequences. Finally he fought and he received a new name and a new identity.

I love this quote in the book... “The quickest way for anyone to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west, chasing after the setting sun, but to head east plunging into the darkness until one comes to the sunrise.”

I could go on chapter by chapter, and tell of the beautiful personal stories, the great illustrations, the funny anecdotes, but no one likes a SPOILER. And you need to read this book! The 3 main sections sum it up...

1. Listen to the Crowd (of witnesses)

2. Throw Off the Weight (that hinders)

3. Run Your Race (to the finish)

If you need encouragement this is the book for you, if you are at the end of your rope this is the book for you, if you are at a crossroads this is the book for you, if your life is in transition this is the book for you, if you need a kick in the pants this is the book for you, if you are a believer and you are breathing this is the book for you.

Kyle never disappoints, this another game changer.
#kyleidleman #DontGiveUp
https://dontgiveup.media

[Cheryl Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our lives are minefields of challenges, that take their toll on our courage, our conviction, and even our faith. But God whispers to the weary, Don’t give up. Drawing from inspiring biblical stories and first-person testimonies of perseverance, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman encourages you to cast your concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience and strength, and seek out support in the family of God.

I have read the author’s other books, “The End Of Me” and “Not A Fan,” and “Don’t Give Up” was just as encouraging. Kyle teaches us to be free from everything that entangles and hinders us from moving forward and how to draw strength from God.


Don’t Give Up is just what we all need to bring ourselves into the life that God meant for all of us. Kyle challenges me to step up in my life to keep believing and persevere and to run the race that God has set out for me. We have all faced a time or two when we wanted to throw the towel in, give up or walk away, Don’t Give Up will show us what we need to do to stand tall and push forward and experience what God has in store for us. Kyle has a unique way of writing that pulls the reader in from page one and relate to the reader. I throughly enjoyed the how the author used different examples from the Bible, for instance, Hebrews chapter 11 lists people who faced enormous challenges yet found the faith to keep believing and the courage to keep fighting. We should do the same every day, to not give up. God know’s our plans way before we do, we need to trust Him in everything.

Don’t Give Up should be on everyone’s to be read list.

I received the Don’t Give Up from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an active member at Southeast Christian, so not only am I no stranger to Kyle’s terrific body of work but I also had the pleasure of being able to read this to the rhythm of Kyle’s signature cadence and Everyman delivery (especially in regards to Kyle’s clever use of humor as seen in the footnotes). Seriously, if you’ve never heard Kyle deliver a sermon, search for one online as that will add to the experience as you read.

Whenever I read a book, I am in the habit of highlighting strong sections and, for passages that especially speak to me, placing a checkmark next key points. For Kyle’s book, I had 254 highlights and 73 checkmarks, which I feel really speaks to the concentrated wisdom you can expect to encounter in this book, especially given that the book is only 231 pages. I will also add that the final page beautifully summarized the reckless love of the Lord in a manner that has never been articulated to me more logically or more beautifully; my eyes actually got tearful as I read it and I am not an easy crier.

This is a very reader-friendly book that builds Christian grit in an often hostile world that requires significant endurance. I would encourage you to add it to your collection today. It would also be very appropriate for anyone you know who is living in one of life’s valleys, existing in a time of spiritual trial. While this is a “quick read,” I am glad I didn’t rush through as I have a feeling I will be revisiting some major points whenever I feel discouraged and need to be reminded of where my courage and confidence truly rests.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idleman strikes a great balance between tough love and compassion in Don't Give Up. Using Biblical examples from the Hall of Fame from the book of Hebrews, Idleman shows how God provides when you depend on him and his strength. I love one quote in particular: "Don't measure God's love for you by how much it is raining." Idleman addresses everyday struggles, anxiety, self-pity, failure, pride, dependence on religion, how sin starts with belief in a lie, and all sorts of obstacles we face, whether indifference, insufficiency, opposition, or slow progress. The bottom line: Just show up - little by little progress builds and God in his greatness and sovereignty provides, even if his provision doesn't look like what we expect. Sometimes when we need comfort, we need courage - courage to push out of reach everything that hinders AND sin that so easily entangles (two different things!).
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I read this book along with the 8 day YouVersion study. The days didn't exactly align with the book chapters - the study had a character focus each day (examples: Moses, Joshua, Nehemiah, Gideon, Paul) while some chapters in the book didn't so you kind of get a preview of upcoming chapters by going day-by-day through the study. Not complaining - the YouVersion study actually gave more background and context for each of the characters than was given in the book. An excellent companion for a book I'll likely reread in the future.
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4.5 stars, the 0.5 from the YouVersion companion study. Would be a good weekly group study book.

[Tina McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the highlighter. Grab a box of tissues. Get comfy. This is a keeper, folks.

We've all been there. We get knocked down by life. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a job. Discouraged by those valleys in life. And it's easy to wallow in grief, pain and bitterness.

For those who have read any of Kyle's books, you'll recognize his style. Using his conversational wit and stories to help illustrate his message, bolstered with plenty of biblical knowledge and scripture throughout. The message may be simple (Don't give up!) but the topic is still a toughie for most of us.

I cried reading the very first chapter. One of the stories Kyle wrote about hit home. Majorly close to home. But my dog gave me hugs and kisses and I kept on reading. And I wanted everyone I knew to read it to...except I won't part with my copy of the book, so I'll have to order them their own.

I was blessed to have been able to be part of the pre-launch team, which allowed me access to a copy of the book a couple weeks ago. And this review comes from the heart. 2018 was one of my toughest years to date. We lost our baby son and I almost died in the process...and I have never been closer to God. It boggles the mind in a way. But then Kyle is able to make sense of it all. I absolutely recommend this book!

[Gail Sites · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have our ups and downs. Some people seem to have more downs than others. Some seasons of life seem to be more difficult to navigate than others. Kyle Idleman’s new book, “Don’t Give Up,” is just the encouragement needed for someone going through a rough patch.

If your life is cruising along smoothly, this book is for you, too. Having a plan to push through the “little” challenges of daily life will prepare you for the tough times that everyone will face at some point in time.

Based in the truth of God’s Word, Kyle’s latest book gives the encouragement needed to navigate the challenges we all face in life. As a Godly story-teller, he holds your interest with Biblical truth, scriptural examples and relevant, contemporary testimonies. More than just a pep talk, there are practical steps you can take to get you through the hard times. Kyle encourages you to take those steps, even when all you can do is to put one foot in front of the other.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was invited to be a part of the launch team and received a free book to read and review before the release date. I have also purchased copies as gifts for friends who are currently facing difficulties.

[Jonathan Beigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While, I really liked the previous Kyle Idleman book, I was "Not a Fan" of Don't Give up...at least not as much as the first one I read. While I agree with the message of Don't Give Up, it just didn't hit me as hard as I hoped. I'm currently in a season of questions...especially because I'm considering starting a business. While there are always going to be ups and downs, this didn't quite give me the boost that I hoped for. I did really like the chapter on anxiety though. One of the most powerful quotes is that worship and worry can't coexist.

Favorite quotes:
p. 19 - "We're moving toward our greatest blessings when we fight through our toughest trials."
p.29 - "Playing it safe turns out to be the greatest risk you can take."
p. 53 - "The quickest way for anyone to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west, chasing after the setting sun, but to head east plunging into the darkness until one comes to the sunrise."
p. 100 - "When we worship, we humble ourselves. Worship is a power antidote to anxiety because worship and worry aren't compatible with each other."
p. 116 - "Compare down and feel conceited or compare up and feel defeated."
p. 219 - "Christians die better than anyone."

[Krystal Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t Give Up” is the book equivalent to God giving you a loving Gibbs slap upside the back of your head. It hurts, but sometimes you need it. Sometimes when life gets hard, you just want to curl up in a ball & wait until it passes. But we know better than that. We know if we have courage & go through it, then we will be made stronger. We know this, but that doesn’t always take the sting away.

Life is full of challenges, and what we think we want is someone to curl up next to us telling us it’s going alright. We want coddled, but that’s not what we truly need.

What we need is someone to tell us, “Don’t give up!” We need someone who will give us a living kick in the butt to get back up & keep trying. This book is exactly that.

Kyle digs into scripture to give us the pep talk we need when life gets hard. He focuses on true perseverance, and backs it all up with scripture & personal stories. He encourages us to give it all to God & to trust in His plans for us. To seek Him for our daily strength, comfort, & support.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I needed this book. I highly recommend it.

[Ann | This Quiet Heart Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I was reading it as part of my goal to finish books that I have sitting on my bookshelves that I haven’t read yet. But God sometimes works in mysterious ways. This book was exactly what I needed in this season of my life. It is full of wisdoms and Biblical truths that helped encourage me in my faith journey.

I enjoyed that the author wrote in an easy to read style that wasn’t intellectual but also wasnt just pulling on emotions either. There was a good balance of compassion and some tough love. There was also plenty of Bible references, especially from Hebrews, to make me want to pull out my Bible and study further on these topics.

I did wish at times that the author would take us a little deeper. There were a few chapters that felt like there were a lot of words, but not enough practical tips, though with the topic of faith I know that isn’t quite as black and white.

Overall, I am really grateful that I read this book in the life season that I am in! I definitely recommend this book to those who may be in a valley right now and don’t know how they will continue on. I definitely feel encouraged and will return to this book often.

[Adam & Sara Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The encouragement I needed when I was beginning to tire. Kyle Idleman’s book, Don’t Give Up, came at a great time to inspire me and remind me that I have to press on, even in hard times. Right now, I’m tired, weary, with life pressing in around me. I can’t give up or give in because of the circumstances around me. “Peter and the other disciples struggle to believe that God cares, because they’re doing what we often do—measuring God’s concern for us by how hard it’s raining.” - Pg 89.

I’ve read many other books by Kyle and I love the way he writes, I feel like he’s a friend and I love his humor but yet truths that tell me to keep going. This book is no different, Kyle has a love for people and it’s obvious he love’s God as well. I would Highly recommend anyone to read this book. If you need a hand of comfort on your shoulder to tell you not to give up, or if you need the coach to tell you “don’t you dare give up” as you are in overtime! This book will help you move on with more steadfastness and perseverance. Don’t Give Up is a must buy!

[breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Give Up will speak directly to you wherever you may be facing challenges in your life.
Stuck in a marriage that feels hopeless? Kyle’s book will equip you with a fresh breath of HOPE to not give up.
Feeling discouraged from an ongoing inward struggle or physical diagnosis? You’ll be inspired with Biblical truth that gives you hope to keep going and look for ways God’s glory can be displayed.
Are you full of despair because you see no possible way out of your present circumstances? Kyle reminds us of people who have gone before us in the hall of FAITH who did not give up.

I love how Kyle uses the analogy of running a race in this life. How we keep running and focus on the finish line no matter what obstacles threaten to get in the way. I’m an avid runner and this speaks SO loud and clear to me!
No matter where you are in your race of life, you will certainly be encouraged and equipped with hope and courage to keep going. So go get your copy of this book. Don’t Give Up!

[Katie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Idleman does an excellent job of addressing & breaking down the weights of life that can hold people in place or even back. He goes on to offer Biblical perspective for keeping faith & bolstering courage to keep pressing forward, especially when it is so easy to quit or give up. He presents it all with stories from his life & others that lend credit, & humor at times, to the reality that life is filled with moments & seasons of struggle but that hope is always an option & easily accessible. It is a book in which I made notes & underlines & will keep close when my own seasons of struggle arise. I recommend it for everyone because we are all going to face seasons of struggle that can lead to discouragement (loss of loved ones, onslaught of insecurities, job loss, etc.) & this book is a terrific tool for abating that discouragement. ***I received a free copy of this book as a part of the launch team. This is my honest review of the book.***

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone at anytime. Even though I don't feel like giving up generally, there are those seemingly small things that are easy to give up on, thinking they aren't important. But one of the things he stresses is that it is the little steps adding all together that make the "important" things.

He gives personal examples of what he means, either from his own life or from the lives of others.

I can see that some could say that their circumstances are different and there's no hope. But I feel that even then, many of the principles espoused in the book would be helpful, even if it is dealing with small attitudes and dispair in an impossible situation. Because he is using biblical principles, they are valid, even if your situation is different from those he gives examples of.

Like, "First tell God about your problems, and then tell your problems about God."

[Sallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you or someone you know is experiencing a season of doubt, discouragement or just “what’s it all for”, please get a copy of Kyle Idleman’s book, Don’t Give Up. In easy to read and understand words, Kyle shows us a message of hope for all that has brought you to the point of giving up. Kyle integrates stories of real people along with pointing us to the Bible and people who have stayed the course and not given in to the not so kind messages of our culture. We hear so much today about anxiety on the rise and Kyle offers wise words to help understand and overcome this disorder. Kyle walks us through how to break free of things that hold us back and keep us tangled. He encourages us and shows us how to get our strength from God and finish this life strong!

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If there’s one thing you would change in your life, what would it be?”

“Sometimes we think we need comfort when what we really need is courage.”

“Jesus is better. Put your confidence in him. Take heart. Don’t give up.”

Another great Kyle Idleman book. As always, Kyle makes me think, makes me laugh, and challenges my faith to reach a higher level. In Don’t Give Up, Kyle uses a lot of running the race metaphors and examples to teach us to hang in there, trust in God, and to finish the race. It is encouraging to see the many examples of those in the Bible and in Kyle’s life who didn’t give up and showed what faith and hard work can do. So for those struggling and thinking about throwing in towel, take heart and don’t give up!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather weak book by Kyle Idleman, especially my memory of three previous books by him that I've read - this one is a low four-star. The reason is that it is too shallow in its inspirational cheering, and thus does not hit as hard as the other books, and becomes a bit too all over the place. The other is that he is misusing the footnote section to give us humorous remarks. Some may find it good, I just think it is so unnecessary to make the reader stop only to get nothing more in the footnotes. Those "trying to be funny" remarks translate also to the style of the book, and make it more digestible but less "serious" in my mind. Still, it may be a book for you - especially if you need some cheering up.