(2 Cor 4:1 NIV) Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” A couple of days ago we talked about how Paul arrived at God’s expected destination for his life. He is such a tremendous example of perseverance for focus that I want to go back to his life. I believe Paul’s understanding of his God-given assignment (i.e. his purpose) was what fueled his perseverance. Paul was charged with leading the promulgation of the Gospel message to the Gentiles (non-Jews). This was no easy assignment in his day. The Romans saw the gospel as a threat to their empire, making Paul’s assignment extremely dangerous. But Paul was undaunted and unrelenting. No matter the opposition, he was a man on a mission and he encouraged others to do the same. He opened his second letter to the church in Corinth with these words: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.” Paul’s salutation set the stage for the letter. It was clear in Paul’s mind that if the Gospel was going to be preached, it would require people who were willing to endure the sure-suffering that would come along with it. But if the people had the faith, and the determination to never give up, then God’s will would be accomplished through them.
In the third chapter Paul compares and contrasts the Gospel message with that of The Law (New Testament vs. Old Testament). He says, “If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God… Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold… wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” The Holy Spirit we (as New Testament believers) receive when we are Born-Again enables us to be bold, even in the face of strong opposition. It is the freedom and liberty of the Holy Spirit, working from the inside out, that empowers and encourages us to march on, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
I shared all this to help get us to our scripture for this morning. The opening verse of the fourth chapter says, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” The New Living Translation reads: “Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.” The Contemporary English Version reads: “God has been kind enough to trust us with this work. That’s why we never give up.” I will stop here for today and pick it up from here tomorrow.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Look past your own personal challenges and see the big picture. What God wants to do in, with, and through you is too important for you to give up when you face opposition.
2. The Father has anointed you with His Spirit, covered you with His blood, and called you to make a difference in your sphere of influence. You can’t afford to take a ‘day off’ from His assignment. Every day is important.
3. Understanding your purpose you can enter this day with focus, fervor, fire, and faith!
Closing Confession: Father, it is only because of Your loving mercy that I have this ministry, this assignment, my purpose in life. I declare, by faith, that I will honor my assignment today and every day. I acknowledge the fact that my life is not my own. I have been bought with a price and that price was the Blood of Jesus. Jesus paid too much for me to simply live my life to please my selfish desires. My life is bigger than the pursuit of ‘things.’ I will live my life in the pursuit of purpose, so that You can get the glory out of it. And while I am seeking to please You and minister to others, I shall not quit. No matter what the enemy brings my way, I will not lose heart, because my assignment is too important! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
