Devotion:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-9; 4:16-5:7.
These are such good reminders and lessons on life as the people of Christ! There is the acknowledgement of the great message and ministry we get to share, along with admitting that we are human and life as the people of Christ is not easy. Verse eight speaks of the “valley times” but offers reminders that through Christ, we are not overcome by them.
Verse sixteen repeats a phrase he has already used in verse one: “we do not lose heart.” In other words, we will not give up! How do we do that? By staying focused “on what is unseen” and “eternal”; the spiritual realm which is what lasts forever.
When I see the phrase in verse six “...we are always confident” I am reminded of the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” We cannot be confident in ourselves getting it right all the time or finally overcoming the physical struggles of this world, but we sure can be confident in the power and presence and mission of our Lord. It is a confidence unlike what we might experience in this world, when we are in charge of something or have “complete” control of a situation. No, this confidence is only built on a growing relationship with the Holy Spirit who is God: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Personal Worship Option:
Edward Mote wrote these words back in 1834 that are fitting here. (Think of the word “confidence” for “hope.”)
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand….
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