We all have moments when we wonder if the path we’ve chosen is worth it. Maybe you’ve stepped into something exciting, challenging, and—if we’re honest—a little overwhelming. While others are chasing different dreams, taking easier roads, or enjoying well-earned rest, you’ve chosen something harder. You’ve committed to long days, difficult work, and investing in something bigger than yourself.
But what happens when it gets hard? When exhaustion sets in, frustration builds, and you start to wonder, Is this even worth it?
If you’ve wrestled with those thoughts—or if you’re wrestling with them now—you’re not alone. Today, I want to look at someone in Scripture who faced a similar struggle. His name is John Mark, and his story is one of failure, redemption, and God’s incredible grace.
Mission Abandoned
In Acts 13, John Mark sets out with Paul and Barnabas on a mission that would change history. He has a front-row seat to the spread of the gospel in ways that had never been seen before. But then, in verse 13, we read something surprising:
“John left them and returned to Jerusalem.”
No explanation. No backstory. Just gone.
Why did he leave? Scripture doesn’t tell us, but we can imagine. Missionary work in the first century wasn’t glamorous. It meant miles of walking, opposition, and uncertainty. Maybe John Mark was physically exhausted. Maybe he felt unqualified. Maybe he looked at Paul and Barnabas and thought, I don’t have what it takes.
Whatever the reason, he quit. And his decision had consequences. By Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas are planning another journey, and Barnabas wants to bring John Mark. But Paul refuses. Absolutely not. John Mark’s earlier failure left a mark—pun intended—on Paul. He doesn’t trust him anymore.
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is so sharp that they go their separate ways. Paul moves forward with Silas, while Barnabas chooses John Mark. Think about that for a moment. Paul—the greatest missionary of all time—believes John Mark isn’t worth another chance. But Barnabas, whose very name means “Son of Encouragement,” sees something more. Instead of defining John Mark by his failure, he invests in him. He chooses to see his potential.
When I Almost Quit
I know what that feels like.
Years ago, I found myself in a role that was harder than I ever expected. I thought I knew what I had signed up for, but the pressure, the long days, and the weight of responsibility started wearing me down. I let the stress get to me. I slacked off, made excuses, and convinced myself that I deserved to take it easy.
Then, a mentor called me out. He told me I wasn’t meeting the standard, and I had two options: step up or step out.
I was devastated. I wanted to defend myself, to explain why things had been so hard, but deep down, I knew he was right. I had given up without realizing it.
But another leader—someone who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself—advocated for me. He convinced the first mentor to give me a second chance.
That second chance changed everything. I didn’t suddenly become perfect, but I learned something important: lean into the hard moments instead of running from them. By the end of that season, I had grown in ways I never expected.
Looking back, I see how God used that moment to teach me about grace, perseverance, and redemption.
John Mark’s Redemption
John Mark’s story didn’t end with failure, either. Years later, something remarkable happens. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul—yes, the same Paul who once rejected him—writes:
“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
Did you catch that? The same Paul who didn’t believe in him now calls him “helpful.” In Colossians 4:10, Paul even urges the church to welcome him. Somewhere along the way, their relationship was restored.
What changed? God wasn’t done with John Mark. Even when he deserted the mission, even when Paul gave up on him, God never did. Through Barnabas’ encouragement and God’s relentless grace, John Mark was restored.
And here’s the part that always amazes me: this same John Mark—the one who once quit—went on to write the Gospel of Mark.
The deserter became a storyteller. The one who gave up became the one who wrote one of the most influential accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
When You Feel Like Giving Up
What does this tell us about God?
It tells us that failure isn’t final. That His grace is bigger than our mistakes. And that He specializes in using imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan.
Maybe today, you feel unqualified. Maybe you’re carrying doubts, fears, or past failures. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t need perfect people. He needs willing hearts.
Psalm 103:14 says,
“He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.”
God knows exactly who you are, and He calls you anyway.
Like John Mark, you might stumble. You might even have moments where you feel like walking away. But when that happens, remember: God isn’t finished with you. The same God who redeemed John Mark’s story is at work in yours.
And who knows? Maybe what feels difficult today will become the foundation of something greater than you can imagine. Maybe the work you’re doing—the seeds you’re planting—will grow into something eternal.
Keep Going
John Mark’s story reminds us that failure isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something new. My story reminds me that second chances can change everything.
And your story? It’s still being written.
So let God write it. Lean into His grace. Trust His plan. Stay faithful. Finish strong.
Because the God who called you is the God who will carry you through.
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