Read 2 Corinthians 4
16-18So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. (The Message)
Paul has seen his share of hard times. There were all kind of reasons for him to give up and say that his ministry was done and that he couldn't do any more, but he never gives up. Paul knows that what he is going through is not the end but the beginning, the beginning of the Kingdom of God.
There are many times that we too might be tempted to give up. It could be that we have seen more than our share of physical problems or the relationships we find ourselves in seem to be eating us up and we just don't know how we can continue. None of the things that we face are unique. People have been going through the same things that we face today in different ways for many years. Those who have chosen to place their faith in Jesus have shown that nothing is to great or to overwhelming that with God's help and Jesus' presence it can't be faced. One of the things that those who have gone through these things can teach us is that when we keep our eyes on eternity today is doable.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- When do you think Paul was tempted to give up?
- What do you think kept Paul going through all his trials?
- Who do you know who has persevered through the most difficult trials? What kept them going ?
- What can you do today to remind yourself to keep looking toward eternity?
No comments:
Post a Comment