Do Not Lose Heart

Grace for All

Hope, No Matter What

(our theme for September)

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outward nature is wasting away, our inward nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

I am by nature a peacemaker. Conflict and confrontation are extremely uncomfortable for me. Yet I have come to realize that sometimes conflict is necessary for growth, and while it may be painful in the moment, the long-term result can be positive.

We know that the church in Corinth, which Paul himself had established, was at times torn by conflict. In his letters, he admonished the Corinthians to adhere to the teachings of Jesus as he had taught them and refuse to allow the seeds of doubt planted by some to flourish. It was painful for Paul to see the church floundering when he had such high hopes for it to continue growing. Some dissenters had even questioned his authority. This pain is only one of the afflictions Paul bears as he continues to spread the Gospel of Christ.

These verses seem to be both a statement of Paul’s own faith and his continuing to teach and encourage the Corinthians. “We do not lose heart. . .” It takes incredible strength of spirit to continue doing the right thing when everyone around declares you are wrong.

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us. . .” No human being lives a life free of pain and sadness, but our reward in Heaven is far greater than we can ever imagine.

“Because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. . .what cannot be seen is eternal.” Our reward is in Heaven and our time on Earth, however painful it may be, is temporary. Paul must be reminding himself as well as the Corinthians to remain focused on living their earthly life as followers of Jesus, knowing with certainty that the glory of Heaven will be theirs.

This attitude is certainly not easy to maintain. Having recently gone through an affliction of my own, a painful injury that required months of recovery time, I know how easy it is to be overcome by despair. My injury was not life-threatening, but I wondered many times if I would ever be able to return to doing the things I love – walking outdoors, going swimming with my granddaughters, exploring new places with my family. It was only through Bible study, prayer, and encouragement from friends and loved ones that I was able to persevere through recovery. Today I am almost back to where I was physically before the injury, but my faith is greater than before. I came to accept that whatever my condition would be, I could choose joy and gratitude because I am certain of the eternal life awaiting me.

The Church in Corinth was never perfect. Its members continued to grapple with doubt and disagreement throughout the early days of Christianity, but in these verses, as in many other passages in both 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul is teaching a lesson still relevant and vital: never give up and remain focused on the greatest gift of all – the gift of eternal life given through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that life is hard. Yet we take comfort in your constant Love and reassurance. We are yours now and will be throughout eternity. Now be with all your children suffering physical pain, heart break, and grief. Comfort them and wrap them in the warmth of your presence. Thank you for this great gift.

Amen

This devotional was written by Pat Scruggs, and read by Leslie Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.