Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

Do Not Lose Heart!

This entry was posted on 02-24-2007 and is filed under Devotional.

"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1 NKJV).

There are a lot of things that could have caused the great apostle to lose heart. He was beaten, imprisoned, received death threats, was stoned three times, received the 39 stripes (five times!), suffered shipwreck (three times), was imperiled by robbers and false brethren, often went hungry, often was cold, et al (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet he did not lose heart!

So how is going for you today? While we may not have suffered like Paul, still we do have our setbacks and trials. The thing to remember is that God has given you a ministry to fulfill. That's what kept Paul going. And he was also the recipient of God's mercy and so are you. Those two things - ministry and mercy - can keep us going in the tough times. Do not lose heart!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for giving us a ministry to fulfill in life. May we be true to that calling in spite of our difficulties and challenges. And we praise You for your mercy - that You are "rich in mercy" and that we have received (and do receive) Your mercy day by day. Through Christ we pray.