November 3, 2025
The Truth You Need When You Want To Give Up
SHAWN JOHNSON
Lee en español
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“I’ve got bad news.”
These aren’t words you want to hear from your doctor. My wife, Jill, grabbed my hand as we braced for impact.
“I believe you have a degenerative neurological disorder,” he said. “Somewhere in the family of Parkinson’s.”
Jill and I have walked through plenty of hardships together, but this was the most devastating news we’d ever received. Afterward, we sat in our car, stunned. Jill opened her Bible and started praying for a miracle. I cried.
Everything in me wanted to give up. If I had an incurable disease, what was the point in fighting? I felt like my calling, my purpose — my life — was over.
That night, I got a call from my friend Marc, who is also a UFC fighting coach. In a way that only he can, he reminded me that this was not the first fight I’d faced. He told me I did not have to let this diagnosis steal my joy, peace, or calling. Then he said something that he also tells his fighters:
“Shawn, you’re going to kiss this fire and walk away whistling.”
At the time, I didn’t know what it meant. But as I’ve walked with my diagnosis, it has become my mantra.
Jesus tells us clearly: We will have trouble in this world. For me, it’s this diagnosis. For you, maybe it’s something else — a broken relationship, a stressful job, a mental health battle, chronic pain, or a combination of things. We all walk through “fire.” But the good news? We never walk through it alone.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The flames of life get hot, but when we walk with Jesus, we are not consumed. Not only does God go into the fire with us, but He uses it for our good and His glory.
Here are three things God has taught me in the fire:
- There’s more purpose in this pain than you could ever imagine.
Even when you can’t see it, God is working through the pain. -
You’re going to be so glad you didn’t give up.
There will be a day when you look back and see how far He brought you. -
God uses broken people.
Human weakness is where His strength shines the brightest.
God isn’t done with you. No matter what your circumstances look like, you aren’t alone. God goes before you, behind you, and beside you. You can have confidence that He is with you in the fire.
God, thank You for being personal and present, walking with us into the fiery places of life. Amid the flames, remind me that You aren’t finished writing my story. Help me fix my eyes on You. Bring purpose to my pain and beauty to my brokenness, all for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For more encouragement for difficult seasons, grab a copy of Shawn Johnson’s book, Kiss the Fire.
ENGAGE
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Kiss the Fire by Shawn Johnson. To celebrate this book, Shawn’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, November 10, 2025.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).
Where do you see God working in your life right now? If nothing comes to mind, take 10 minutes in prayer and ask Him to show you where He’s working. And share your thoughts with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Shawn Johnson. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
