ODJ: Why We Never Give Up

August 29, 2018 

READ: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 

That is why we never give up (v.16).

I’ve seen believers in Jesus walk through fierce storms of life while trusting in God through it all. How do they do it? I’ve often wondered if it was their personality enabling them to show calm in the midst of turmoil, kindness when mistreated and courage when most would falter.

I’ve begun asking a new question, however. Instead of focusing on a person’s personality, I ask about their trust in God. For it’s Him that my battle-weary friends say sustains them and keeps them standing strong in their faith.

Rather than envying those whose faith in God seems unwavering, Jesus wants you and me to personally fix our eyes on Him (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our heavenly Father alone is able to give us confidence that “though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day” (v.16).

In this world, as God’s Word teaches and life reveals, we will face troubles (John 16:33). But Paul reminds us that there’s purpose in our struggles. Though they might seem heavy and never-ending, God works through even the things that threaten to overwhelm us to create “a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Most of us are deeply affected by our circumstances, and present difficulties could easily blind us to the gift of new life given through Jesus. It’s because of His love for us that He guides us away from focusing on what’s seen to what’s unseen. For “the things we see now [other people, money, popularity] will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see [God, Christ, grace, glory; the things of heaven] will last forever” (v.18).

It’s through our view of the unseen that we’ll also find hope, purpose and our heavenly Father’s presence in the midst of the seen.

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day plan: Matthew 21:1-17