I Almost Quit

When Quitting Feels Easier Than Obeying God

There are moments in life—whether in ministry, work, or family—when the weight of discouragement becomes almost unbearable. You look around and wonder if what you’re doing even matters. You’ve poured out your heart, only to face criticism, betrayal, or silence. The thought of quitting whispers louder than your resolve to endure.

That was the reality for Pastor Shane Idleman. In his own words, he almost walked away from ministry. The stress of leadership, the pain of watching people leave the church, the sting of gossip, and even his own health struggles pressed on him like a storm. He admitted to his children, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” Many pastors and believers alike can relate—because the truth is, every calling worth pursuing comes with battles that make quitting feel like the only option.

But in the darkest valleys, God often does His deepest work. Shane confessed that when he stepped into the pulpit, even on the days he felt weakest, the Holy Spirit brought life to the Word of God. And over time, repentance brought renewal. Brokenness gave birth to strength. Out of his struggle came a book that would encourage countless others: a testimony that even when we nearly give up, God’s call remains firm.

Jack Hibbs reminded him—and all of us—that the greatest men and women of God walked this same road. Moses cried out that he couldn’t bear the weight of leading Israel. David, betrayed by friends and surrounded by despair, strengthened himself in the Lord. Paul was transparent about his weaknesses, yet through them, God’s power was revealed.

Quitting might feel easier, but it’s not an option when God has called you. The breakthrough comes in those moments of surrender, when we stop fighting in our own strength and let God fight for us. True revival doesn’t flow from polished sermons or social media numbers. It is born in brokenness, humility, and the prayer closet.

When Shane finally shared his struggle openly with his church—“I almost quit”—the Spirit of God moved mightily. Tears filled the sanctuary, altars overflowed, and worship went on for hours. What began as weakness turned into revival.

The lesson is clear: trials are not accidents. They are God’s refining fire. He uses pain to draw us closer, to break pride, and to form Christ within us. Numbers may measure success in the world, but in God’s kingdom, faithfulness is the true measure.

So, if you feel like quitting today—hold on. God may be using this very season to birth something greater than you could ever imagine.