Devotion:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:9.
It is important to note that we are jumping into the middle of a letter with these verses, so there is much that has come before this part. In the NIV, this section begins with the word “Therefore…” meaning that a foundation for what will be shared here has already been offered. (This is the third one since the middle of the previous chapter.)
For Paul to write “Therefore we do not lose heart” tells us that he is writing to people who had reason to do that very thing. For anyone, there come times and situations in life that can cause us to want to give up or to at least not try as hard. We lose our motivation; we lose our drive; we lose our passion. In this section, he is letting them (and us) know why the people of Christ do not lose heart when faced with the difficulties of life. He reminds us of the “big picture,” the view of life that goes beyond this life. Here is how The Message translates from the middle of 4:16: “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.” Because of what God provides for us in this life, even when we face times of struggle, we can still be joyful. Why? Because we know what is still to come!
Personal Worship Option:
Do you know someone who has lost their passion for the mission of Christ? Pray for them and ask God to help you know how to encourage them and help them find that joy again.
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