Steven A. Bush - October 16, 2016
So We Don't Lose Heart
Throughout the Scriptures we read about godly people who suffered much affliction. Job comes to mind first. Jeremiah, David, and Paul likewise went through immense difficulties and trials. Our Lord Jesus, "for the joy set before Him," suffered on the cross, shed His blood for our sins, to restore us to Himself. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul writes: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (ESV) While making comparisons is often carnal, when we consider Paul's life of affliction, our woes certainly pale in comparison. And then when our trials and tribulations are juxtaposed with eternity, our many afflictions truly can be regarded as lightweight and temporary. So we don't lose heart. We take heart instead. We encourage the fainthearted who are wrestling with difficulties. With God's all-sufficient grace helping us, we press through and press on. O Lord, help us!