There are certainly many reasons for us as individuals, as well as for us as congregations, to succumb to discouragement along the way. But the Bible message to us is not to lose heart. Paul writes this note of encouragement for our edification: “Do not lose heart! Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are bring renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18/NIV).
When Paul wrote those words, he was facing lots of difficulty and discouragement in his life. When he had first gone to Corinth, the Jews of that city openly opposed him so much he was ready to leave and minister elsewhere. But while in the house of Justus, one night Paul had a vision. “Do not be afraid,” the Lord spoke. “Keep on speaking, do not be silent; for I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10/NIV). As a result of the Lord’s encouragement, Paul stayed at Corinth for another year and a half, despite the opposition and discouragement.
My Grandma Brubaker was an invalid for more than fifteen years. During my growing up years we visited Grandpa and Grandma regularly, and i was impressed with the quality care Grandpa was giving Grandma, day and night. As one year melted into the next, Grandpa wore a path in the carpet around Grandma’s bed. When Grandma died in 1963 the carpet around Grandma’s bed was literally threadbare! Talk about commitment! About devotion! About perseverance! Grandpa was certainly the epitome of these graces. During more than fifteen years of ministering to Grandma’s needs, did Grandpa ever become discouraged? Did he ever lose heart? I’m sure he must have, although I never heard a single complaint escape his lips!
Grandpa’s perseverance has been an inspiration to me many times during the years, particularly during times of discouragement. I need to be reminded again and again not to lose heart. What about you?