I have never watched Dancing with the Stars until this season. And to be honest, I record the show and fast-forward until I reach the portion of the show when Michael Waltrip dances. Michael Waltrip is my favorite NASCAR driver for many reasons. He’s funny. He knows racing. He is an entertaining personality.

Michael after winning the truck race in 2011…Mom and I were there!

This week the challenge was to share about their most memorable year and create a dance from that time. For Michael, he talked about winning the Daytona 500 in 2001. It was a big deal. Every driver wants to win that race. But that same day, Dale Earnhart hit a wall and died. Michael mentioned that he went from the highest high to the lowest low in 30 minutes.

Knowing Michael’s history as I do, I knew there was much more to it than just a fellow driver dying. The one who believed in him, mentored him, and given him the opportunity to drive had died. It was a big deal. I also knew that Michael had started 463 NASCAR Cup races before getting to victory lane.

You might be able to say a lot about Michael Waltrip, but you can’t call him a quitter.

There are several passages of Scripture that we might be able to hold close to our hearts when we feel like giving up. When the cares of this world are nearly crushing. Or perhaps when we have just grown tired of trying. There is great encouragement to be found in God’s Word, so let’s look at His solution.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV)

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” (Psalm 18:32-33 – NIV)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31 – NIV)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – NIV)

“Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 – NIV)

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 – NIV)

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 – NIV)

It’s easy to become discouraged. If you find yourself in this state today, go back through the verses above and look at the words that are in bold. These are God’s words of encouragement to you today. He is with you. He will supply the power, love and discipline you need to get up and try again. By fixing our eyes upon Jesus we are able to persevere to the end.

Michael Waltrip may not be the best dancer on this show, but he continues to draw the fan votes and remain on the show. Just one more reason to like Michael. He doesn’t give up.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna