May 18 | 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
- Elaine Pierce
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Don't Lose Heart!
By Elaine Pierce
Do Not Lose Heart. Twice in this chapter, Paul reminds the Corinthian church not to lose heart. Why do you suppose he does that? He is hard pressed on every side...perplexed...persecuted...struck down...his life is not exactly one of rest and relaxation. But he writes with absolute certainty that these earthly troubles are not the final outcome. Verse 18 sums up Paul's perspective:
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I have never faced persecution for my faith, but I have certainty experienced doubt and fear, and I have been impatient with God. I want him to answer my prayers NOW, not later. I don't want to wait on his good timing. My timing seems right! It is often only when I look back on my life that I see God's hand at work. My goal - and maybe it is yours, too - is that I will deepen my faith and I will not lose heart.
Paul doesn't just encourage his readers not to lose heart. He tells them that is how he is living. And, really, it is the only way to live the Christian life. Day by day, despite the ups and downs of our sinful life, we don't lose heart because we know who we believe, and we know that he is able to keep that which we've committed unto him against that day. This old hymn will encourage you as you start your day. It is a paraphrase of 2 Timothy 2:12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFoFVRRYPk
PRAYER
Lord, there are times that I lost heart. I stray from your presence, and I follow my own wants and desires. Help me to look to you, the author and perfecter of my faith ,and to follow you day by day. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!