“Never give up!”
This simple but powerful statement is attributed to the late Louis Chevrolet, founder of one of the most popular car companies in the world, and a true Christian.
Everyone is familiar with the “Chevy” brand, but few of the people who will visit Indianapolis for this month’s race knows that it was the adopted hometown of the man who started it all.
Born in Switzerland in 1878, Chevrolet arrived in New York City in 1900 as a chauffeur and mechanic who understood early automobiles, which were still rare at the turn of the century.
After moving to Detroit, he joined the famed Buick racing team, which won 500 racing trophies between 1905 and 1910. Chevrolet also competed in the first Indianapolis 500 Mile race in 1911.
That same year Chevrolet and William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, formed Chevrolet Motor Company to compete with Ford. Chevrolet, a master engineer, wanted to build big cars with powerful engines, but Durant wanted to manufacture affordable and reliable small cars.
At that time it was common for engineers who designed cars to have disagreements with businessmen who provided the money to actually produce them. In 1916 Chevrolet sold his stock in the company and Durant took it to General Motors, where it remains today.
Within a few years the stock that Louis Chevrolet sold increased in worth to millions of dollars. Yet, he refused to get discouraged and pressed on to his next venture, establishing Frontenac Motors, which built engine parts. Also, Chevrolet and his brothers Arthur and Gaston formed a new racing team that competed in the Indy 500.
Chevrolet experienced his greatest victory when he built a car that brother Gaston used to win the 1920 race, and built another car that the winner used in 1921. Tragically, however, Gaston died in a devastating accident in California. Louis Chevrolet refused to let despair take over, and riding high on his racing success, he formed an airplane company.
Sadly, Chevrolet lost the company to an investor during the stock market crash of 1929. By that time he had retired from auto racing and was desperately looking to earn a living.
Still, the devout Catholic knew that God had another opportunity awaiting him
One day in 1934 he received surprising news: General Motors, out of gratitude, wanted to give Chevrolet a new job at his old company as a consultant. Chevrolet was able to work until his retirement. He died in 1941 and was laid to rest at Holy Cross/St. Joseph Cemetery in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway Museum chose to honor Chevrolet, out of all race drivers, with a statue at its entrance.
Chevrolet’s name lives on through millions of cars. His life wasn’t always easy, but God was with him through it all. Chevrolet knew this; that is why he said: “Never give up!”
Eventually, there comes a time in life when we, like Chevrolet, have to trust in God and the grace of Jesus Christ.
Many people still believe that temptation always involves something that seems to bring us pleasure. However, times of difficulty can tempt us to quit, give up and sink into depression.
1st Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
God is merciful to us because he witnessed the suffering that Christ endured on earth when he was tempted by Satan, criticized by the Pharisees, humiliated after being captured and executed on a cross. During his time in the world Jesus discovered firsthand how humanity experienced conflict, deception, death, poverty and other challenges.
In Romans chapter eight the Apostle Paul reminds us that all things “God works for the good of those who love him,” and we share in the sufferings of Christ “in order that we may also share in his glory.”
The enemy would love nothing more than to watch you lose your mind, put a gun to your head, slice your wrist or jump into the bathtub with a lethal jellyfish like Will Smith’s character in the film “Seven Pounds.” Don’t give him the victory; claim it for yourself and speak it into existence.
With a God who loves us on our side, we should never give up. Sooner or later, he gives us a way out of our situation, or at least the strength to endure it until his purpose is achieved.
If you are facing financial difficulties, don’t give up. Pray for resources that can help you find a job, and ask for his guidance as you make agreements with creditors to keep your house and car.
If you are raising a difficult child/teenager, don’t give up. Pray for and seek stronger communication, positive role models, friends and opportunities that will unlock your child’s interests and talents.
If you or someone you love has health problems, claim your victory in God’s name in advance, and prepare yourself for healing. Seek steps you can take to improve your health and achieve a miracle that will amaze even your doctor.
If you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, go ahead and grieve. But pick yourself back up and keep going, realizing that your departed loved one would never want you to give up on life.
Whenever you find yourself on the path of devastation, remember that victory is right around the corner. No matter what you may face, “never give up!”
