DO NOT LOSE HEART

Related imageUpon reading 1 Corinthians 3, Paul concludes his thoughts with the Truth that we are "being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."  He further states in chapter 4, because of God's mercy, he has the ministry that God has called him, and "we do not lose heart." His statement of BOLD faith,  irregardless of the abuses he suffered for the cause of Christ and His kingdom.   

When I hear of those who have abandoned their faith because of weariness, disappointment, misunderstanding in the Body of Christ, or anger that God did not answer prayer as hoped and asked, two thoughts come to mind.  Is the abandonment of faith out of a heart not truly belonging to the Lord or it is a prolonged loss of heart from unresolved hurts and misunderstandings? I do recognize that the strategy of the evil one is always active in either action.  As god of this age, he seeks to blind the hearts and minds of unbelievers and attempts to distort and  challenge us to question God's motives in transactions with us as Christ followers.  Scripture says that we know the strategies of the evil one...but when do we recognize them? The more intimate our times with the Lord and His Word, the more apt we are to recognize the ole liar, his shenanigans, and our own selfish demanding flesh!   

Paul reminds us of several metaphors of our temporariness as pilgrims of this world: we are earthen vessels, our bodies are earthly tents, and our bodies are wasting away.  In 2 Corinthians 4:13, "It is written" 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.  With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak."  Since Paul has a strong faith in God's providence (dealings with him), he believes and he speaks, "Therefore,we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So then 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."  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

For today, I yield my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit NOT fixing my eyes on circumstances which may press, but fixing my eyes on Almighty God who is ABLE (Almighty in power). We speak:  We do not lose heart!  Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS

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