The Night I Almost Quit

It was late—past midnight. I was sitting at my desk, staring blankly at my computer screen, the glow of the monitor the only light in the room. After hours of writing, researching, and trying to meet yet another looming deadline, I felt drained.

I was seriously considering quitting.

Four years ago, I started working on a PhD in strategic media—a field I’m deeply passionate about. I knew it would be challenging, but I never imagined just how difficult the road would be. Between running SermonView, leading ministry efforts, staying connected with my family, and managing my doctoral studies, the pressure was relentless. The constant demands stretched me thin, and more than once I found myself overwhelmed and wondering:

Do I have the strength to keep going?

In that moment, I turned to two simple—but life-changing—questions. These questions became my lifeline, pulling me back from the edge and helping me persevere through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

Today, I want to share those two questions with you, along with five reasons why they’re so powerful. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or ready to give up on a dream God has placed on your heart, these questions can help you find clarity and renewed strength.

The Two Questions That Changed Everything

Here they are:

1. What do you really want?
2. How much do you want it?

That second question, especially, hit me hard every time I asked it. When I felt like giving up, I had to look in the mirror and ask myself:

Larry, how much do you want this?

And every single time, the answer was clear: I wanted it enough to keep going.

At the end of the day, the journey wasn’t just about earning a degree or adding letters after my name. It became about personal growth—about becoming the person God was shaping me to be. Finishing that PhD wasn’t just an academic accomplishment—it was a spiritual victory.

Why These Questions Are So Powerful

Here are five reasons these two questions can be a game-changer for anyone facing a difficult season:

1. They Bring Clarity Amid Chaos

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. These questions cut through the noise and force you to refocus on your deeper purpose.

Ask yourself: What do I really want? Not what’s easiest. Not what’s convenient. But what really matters.

2. They Help You Reconnect with Your “Why”

Simon Sinek popularized the idea of starting with “why.” These questions are a personal version of that principle. They help you reconnect with the vision and calling that originally sparked your journey.

In my case, my “why” was more than a PhD. It was about becoming a better leader, communicator, and servant in God’s kingdom.

3. They Build Emotional Honesty

“How much do you want it?” is a question that demands honesty. There were nights when I didn’t feel like I had the energy to keep going—but deep down, I knew I wanted it enough to push through.

This question forces you to confront whether your actions align with your desires. If you truly want something, you’ll find the strength to keep moving.

4. They Create Momentum

Asking these questions isn’t just a reflection exercise—it’s a catalyst for action. They helped me stop spiraling in discouragement and start moving again, even if that meant just writing one more paragraph or reviewing one more article.

Small steps create momentum. And momentum fuels perseverance.

5. They Shift Focus from Outcome to Growth

Ultimately, answering these questions reminded me that the journey itself matters. The process of writing, researching, and wrestling with ideas changed me. Finishing wasn’t just about the diploma—it was about who I became along the way.

Remember: God cares about who you’re becoming, not just what you’re achieving.

When You Feel Like Quitting…

Maybe you’re facing your own overwhelming season—balancing ministry, family, and personal goals. Maybe the weight feels too heavy, and you’re tempted to throw in the towel.

Before you do, stop. Breathe. And ask yourself:

1. What do I really want?
2. How much do I want it?

Let those questions center you. Let them remind you of your calling, your passion, and the God who is shaping you through every challenge.

Final Encouragement

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader juggling a thousand things, hear this: You are not alone. Your work matters. The late nights, the long meetings, the prayers, the sermons—it’s making an impact, even when you can’t see it.

Stay strong. Be courageous. And when the road feels too hard, come back to these two questions.