TUESDAY May 14, 2024
Do Not Lose Heart
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:13
Near the conclusion of this great chapter, Paul was concerned for his fellow believers; he did not want them to lose heart. They were feeling sorry for Paul because they had heard of all his tribulations, but he responded with such a good attitude. He was more concerned for them than himself. Besides, through his sufferings, he had become such a tremendous witness to them. Many people in Ephesus came to know Christ. It all worked out for the glory of God!
When Christians go through trials, most of the time I hear murmuring and complaining from them. We all can learn lessons on how we should respond to trials from Paul’s great mindset. Whatever God allows to happen in our lives, in the end, it will bring glory to God if we have the right attitude. In his call to ministry, Paul voiced his steadfastness: Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV).
In life or death, we are not to lose heart. There are some of you who may be struggling with an illness; perhaps you have cancer, as my beloved wife had. Do not lose heart. I encourage you to always look to the eternal, because one day, we all shall be with the Lord. Think on 2 Corinthians 4:16 to encourage yourself in the Lord: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
I would also like to remind you of the words Jesus said to His Disciples which also apply to us, His followers: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Believers in Christ, do not lose heart. We serve a God who has overcome this world––even death itself.
Never lose heart in the power of the gospel....
C. H. Spurgeon
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
