Wednesday, April 2, 2008

We Do Not Give Up

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not give up.” (2 Corinthians 4:1 CSB)

On the basis of the hope we have in Christ in this new covenant, we follow Him faithfully in faith.

Because of our hope in Him we walk in the light, choosing to follow the way of truth openly. We know by way of experience that the darkness of un-truth can never produce even a little hope. The light of the truth of Christ shows us the way to hope, and that hope in turn steels us with a resolve to remain in the truth and continually learn about the kind of life that blesses the world we live in.

Because of our hope in Him we approach the struggles of this life from the viewpoint of the power of God, which works in us to enable us to endure. The pressures of this life can be enormous at times. The uncertainties in this life can produce anxiety that threatens our peace. But the Holy Spirit dwelling in us speaks to us of the power of God that comes from the sufficient grace He provides us. This assurance then further steels our resolve to follow Jesus.

Because of our hope in Him we approach death the same way we approach life. We all recognize that the physical body deteriorates. Day by day it does so. We do not notice it so much when we are younger, though it happens all the time, but the older we get the more noticeable it becomes. Yet, we recognize also that these are “momentary, light afflictions,” while what awaits us is an incomparable weight of glory. That is the reason we are able to stay focused on what is eternal rather than what is temporal. And this, too, steels our resolve to follow Christ faithfully in faith.

We do not give up.

Lord, Your truth and light, Your power, and Your eternity spring forth from the hope we have in You, and we will not give up. We will stand our ground in You and not back down from the opportunities You give us. Amen.

No comments: