Man on a Mission
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Memory Verse: Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 1 Corinthians 4:16
The history of Christianity is full of men and women who caught a full conviction of the mission to which God had called them. Moody was the man called to give himself completely to God and was used mightily in evangelistic ministries around the world. His legacy continues after his home going in many ministries including the Bible college in Chicago that bears his name. Martin Luther understood his mission and spent his life proclaiming the truth resulting in what is known as the great reformation.
Charles Spurgeon has been known as one of the greatest preachers of all Christendom. Under his ministry leadership he founded training schools for ministers and his church grew to what we would call a mega church when large churches did not exist. Even so, he suffered from depression. He was openly attacked by others in the ministry and found himself continually defending himself.
If these great men of God including the Apostle Paul encountered criticism and attack, surely those of us striving for the Gospel will also be called upon to endure hardship. Jesus told his followers that as he suffered so would they suffer and that is given into our hands as well. Paul made a very stern statement in verses 1-2 of our reading. He proclaimed effectively that he would not lose heart and backed it up by stating his determination to bring into the light things hidden in the shame of darkness and speak the unadulterated truth of the Gospel. When a person has heard from God, they are fully equipped with the shield of faith standing with the breastplate of righteousness ready to stand against the false teaching of the enemy. But it still hurts. Yes, Paul felt the pain of the attacks but did not lose heart. Maybe you are weary today. Maybe someone has brought you great pain because of your stand for truth. Catch these words and let them become the meditation of your heart, “We do not lose heart.”
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
