We Do Not Lose Heart

A Devotional on 2 Corinthians 4

Think about a time you were trying to accomplish something important. Maybe it was finishing a big project for work, or studying for a final exam. Maybe it was running a race. Try to remember what it felt like when you were in the middle of it. Did you feel discouraged? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Were you asking yourself “Why am I doing this?”

Sometimes, when we are in the midst of challenge or hardship, or even just good work, it can be difficult to remember why we are doing what we do. As Christians, we can lose sight of Christ when the waves of trial come, and therefore, we can much more easily grow weary, believe lies, or be discouraged.

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul talks about the power and potency of the Gospel. He urges the Corinthians to remember that the message of Christ is simply and utterly all about Jesus. But Paul also shares that messengers carrying the Good News will experience hardship and trial.

He says: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (vv 8-10). Paul says that when we face trials and hardship, we still have hope! We share in Christ’s sufferings knowing that we will also share in His Glory (Romans 8:17).

Paul closes the chapter with the encouragement “So we do not lose heart… 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” (vv. 16-18a). 

Don’t miss the promise here: everything that we go through in our pursuit of Christ and holiness – every challenge, affliction, loss – is the very means through which God is preparing and shaping us more into the image of His Son Jesus. Because of Christ, we will stand fully perfected before God in eternal glory with Him.

When we look ahead to an eternal glory with our God, we do not lose heart.

Reflection:

What is something you are feeling discouraged about?

How can you practically look to Christ to not lose heart?