“Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world…”
We all know the lyrics. When the opening piano riff of Journey’s 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” starts playing, it’s almost impossible not to sing along. But did you know this iconic anthem was born out of desperation?
In a recent message at Dream City Church, Pastor Todd shared the fascinating backstory of the song’s writer, Jonathan Cain. Before the fame, Cain was a struggling musician in Los Angeles, broke and ready to quit after his dog was hit by a car, landing him with a vet bill he couldn’t pay. He called his father in Chicago, defeated, ready to come home. His father’s advice was simple but profound: “No, you’re not coming home. You’re to stay the course. Don’t stop believing.”
Five years later, those three words became the hook of one of the biggest rock songs in history.
Life often feels like that moment before the breakthrough—full of giants, uncertainty, and the temptation to quit. Drawing from this theme, here are three spiritual anchors to hold onto when you feel like giving up.
1. Don’t Stop Believing the Battle Belongs to the Lord
We love the story of David and Goliath because it’s the ultimate underdog tale. But we often forget why David won. It wasn’t just his aim; it was his perspective.
In 1 Samuel 17, David didn’t run toward the giant because he trusted his slingshot; he ran because he knew the battle didn’t belong to him. He declared, “The battle belongs to the Lord.”
In our corporate careers, families, or personal struggles, we often face “giants”—opponents or problems that seem superior in size, strength, and resources. It is easy to look at the odds and retreat. But the scriptural principle is clear: do your part, but trust God for the outcome.
As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, sometimes we are pressed beyond our measure so that we stop relying on ourselves and start relying on God. If you are facing a situation that feels like “death row” for your dreams, remember that God often uses these moments to show Himself strong.
2. Don’t Stop Believing the Best is Yet to Come
Aging is inevitable, but decline is optional. It is easy to drift into a state of “good enough”—becoming familiar with your marriage, your ministry, or your career, and losing the hunger for growth.
But biblical faith requires an expectation that your future is brighter than your past. Jeremiah 29:11 promises a future and a hope, even when the current season (like the Israelites in captivity) looks bleak.
Consider Abraham. Acts 7:5 tells us that God promised him the land before he owned even a foot of it, and promised him descendants before he had a single child. Abraham had to believe in the supernatural promise over the natural reality.
The message is simple: You are becoming what you are believing. If you believe your best days are behind you, they probably are. But if you maintain the spirit of Caleb—who at 85 was still ready to take mountains—you keep the door open for God to do something new.
3. Don’t Start Believing the Body of Christ Doesn’t Need You
While the first two points are about what not to stop, this one is about what you must never start believing: the lie that you are unnecessary.
We live in a culture of isolation, where it’s easy to attend church, tithe, and agree with the sermon, yet remain completely disconnected from the community. But Ephesians 4 and Romans 12 paint a different picture: we are a body, fit together perfectly.
You cannot fully realize your purpose in isolation. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, famously noted that a non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. You have a unique gift that those around you need, and conversely, you need what they carry.
The Power of Humble Beginnings
Pastor Todd closed with a personal story that illustrates the grit required to keep believing.
When he first moved back to Phoenix in the early 90s, he was broke, unable to find work, and was even rejected for a paper route because he couldn’t afford the $250 performance bond. He went from being a business owner in Canada to being unemployed and feeling rejected.
Then came an “opportunity.” He wasn’t asked to preach or lead; he was asked to be the “Turkey Boy”—working the night shift in a refrigerated truck collecting turkeys for a giveaway. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t what he envisioned. But he did it.
Why? Because he didn’t stop believing. He understood that sometimes the path to your destiny involves digging ditches before the rain comes.
Conclusion
Maybe you are in a season of “digging ditches.” Maybe the dream feels dead, or the giant looks too big. Don’t let the visual reality talk you out of your spiritual destiny.
-
The battle is His.
-
The future is bright.
-
Your contribution matters.
Hold on to the promise. As the song says—and as scripture confirms—don’t stop believin’.
