We do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1
Paul, the first century apostle and missionary who knew both the glory of being called by God as well as the sufferings that accompany such a calling, resounded his steadfast place in that calling with the statement, “we do not lose heart.”
“Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)
The reality of the Gospel Call on Paul’s life was always motivated by the fact that God’s mercy saved him, called him, and powerfully sustained him. Paul recognized his own unworthiness to be called and understood that only by God’s mercy can anyone be counted as acceptable to God. Once a persecutor and blasphemer, Paul identified the whole reason for His life and calling – by the mercy of God. Throughout all of his writings to the first century church, Paul constantly avoided any appearance of arrogance or self-confidence, and always gave glory to Jesus Christ. In a brief summary to Timothy, one sees evidence of this self-perspective of the apostle:
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (I Timothy 1:13-14)
So, today, the greatest advantage you have in your walk of faith is to remember the mercy of God. If you desire to keep pressing on and not lose hart, remember the mercy of God. In fact, with the foundational truth of 2 Corinthians 4:1, see your life as Paul viewed his.
First, “Since we have this ministry.” Consider your present life circumstance as a place of ministry. You may doubt this, and at times you may feel as if your life accomplishes little. But, do such thoughts resonate God’s heart and will for you? Absolutely not. In Philippians 2:13, we are reminded that “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure in you.” Therefore, remember that God desires to work in and through you at this very moment. Remember that when you have an opportunity to encourage someone, pray for someone, or send an uplifting message to someone. Remember that when roles and duties in your home often seem menial or unproductive. Remember that when in your respective role of ministry and leadership, you often times do not see the results you truly desire. God is at work. If you belong to Jesus, then He is in your life working to fulfill His good pleasure. Do not miss what He desires to do through you at this very moment. You have a ministry.
Second, “as we have received mercy.” Look at your present place in life. If you are a follower of Jesus, this is so because of His mercy. If you belong to the redeemed community of believers, this is by His mercy. If God has ever used you to bless another – and I can assure you He has, then this is by His mercy. At this present moment, name your ministry: serving in a respective role in a church related ministry, vocationally serving as a minister, being called upon as a prayer intercessor, teaching a bible study, encouraging the faith environment in your home, being an encourager to others in your workplace, providing acts of service to those in need, etc. Having centered on your present ministry, now resolve that you have that ministry only by the mercy of God. Your present place of influence is totally and completely afforded to you by God’s mercy, and not your merit. This was Paul’s message to the early church, and this was Paul’s self-perspective. This is also our reminder that who we are is only by God’s great mercy. I realize that perhaps much about your present ministry presents difficulties and challenges. But that does not change the fact that you are given this present moment to make a difference. And this was given to you only by the mercy of God. Express gratefulness for your present ministry more than expressing complaints. God is honored when you are thankful to serve and minister. His glory is hidden when you complain and begrudge His calling on your life. See your present moment through His mercy.
Third, “we do not lose heart.” This attitude truly personified the apostle’s life, and this attitude must permeate every part of our being. We cannot lose heart. We cannot give up, nor can we lose focus on our calling. As a cyclist, there are times during a lengthy ride that I “hit a wall”, figuratively speaking. I have heard marathon runners use this same phrase. This expresses the physical depletion you feel, although there are many more miles to cycle or run. And, in that moment of depletion you feel as if you must stop. But, you do not. Counter to everything your body tells you, you do not stop. And, why? The race is still before you. And, in this present moment of our calling, we cannot stop. The race is still before us. So, do not lose heart.
Today, remember that you have been given this present moment by God’s mercy. By His mercy you are saved. By His mercy you are given this moment to serve and make a difference. And by His mercy you are not only sustained, but are promised fruitfulness and blessing if you do not give up.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Blessings.
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Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-10 and be encouraged to continue!
