Saturday, May 24, 2008

We Do Not Lose Heart – When Tempted To Give Up

When the odds are stacked against us we are to not lose heart. Somehow we know that we will be okay; we’ll have what we’ll need.
s
When we’re hard pressed and confused, and even pursued in life, we cannot afford to give up. Despair does not overcome us.
s
We do this -- continuing on and not capitulating, because we know we’re not forsaken or abandoned -- we have the absolute presence of the Almighty God.
s
The secret is “this treasure” we have. It’s held within an ordinary clay jar -- which is our mortal body. The treasure is his Spirit.
s
Victorious speech. It has to be. We give up any illusion of self-sufficiency as we rely fully on God’s power. We cannot lose.
s
Times can be consistently perplexing yet we still do not ever cower down... instead it is a quiet confidence we have that somehow knows all will be okay.
s
Yet we will feel like giving up. It seems too much for us. Then we’re reminded: ‘It’s not me, but him.’ His power, his glory, his blessing. Him.
s
We see the light. We see that the light and momentary troubles we have are nothing... NOTHING compared with his glorious, majestic revelation riches in eternity.
s
We serve in this environment because God inspires us; nothing else... certainly not for earthly gain. He makes it possible for us to bear up even in the midst of tragedy.
s
For we know that if our Saviour was raised and backed up; we also will be raised and helped.
s
And this is the Gospel: in our moment-by-moment death (to ourselves), others see HIS life -- what he stood for -- our Saviour.
s
Life -- spiritual life. Others for us; me for others. Outdoing each other for his glory. That’s the Spirit!
s
This piece was inspired by Paul’s 2 Corinthians chapter 4.
s
Copyright © 2008, Steven John Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

No comments: