In review of 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 I'm reminded, “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (NLT)
It is easy to lose heart and quit. I will face problems in my relationships and in my work that will cause me to think about giving up. Rather than quitting when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength that came from the Holy Spirit. So I should not let fatigue, pain, or criticism force me off of the job. I need to renew my commitment to serving Christ. I shouldn't forsake my eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain. My very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen me moment by moment.
My troubles should not diminish my faith or disillusion me. I should realize that there is purpose in suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits: (1) They remind me of Christ's suffering for me; (2) they keep me from pride; (3) they cause me to look beyond this brief life; (4) they give me opportunities to prove my faith to others; and (5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. So begin to see my troubles as opportunities.
Asking myself “Why me,” is the wrong question to ask during my dark days. Instead, I should ask, “God, what’s your purpose in this?”
The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “You are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold” (Phillips).
What I’m learning is that nothing comes into my life accidentally. God does not cause evil. But he can bring good from every single thing, even from evil. Trials reveal my character, maturity, security, values, and faith.
The apostle Paul devoted his entire life to serving God. But, in many ways, Paul’s life was worse than I could ever imagine. He was stoned, shipwrecked, beaten, left for dead, imprisoned, whipped, and robbed.
But he was never bitter. Instead of asking, “Why me?” he looked for and trusted God’s purpose. He learned to trust God in his problems, even when he didn’t understand.
What is the secret to his persistence? “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT).
I can hold on to hope because God has a purpose and even a reward that exceeds my pain.
When Jesus died on the cross, his followers thought it was a senseless tragedy, a total mistake. But what they couldn’t see was God still on his throne, carrying out a bigger purpose. After Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to the disciples and said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21 NIV). Just moments before, they could see no reason for their pain. But here was Jesus, telling them that God was giving them a new assignment that was part of a grand purpose.
God’s purpose for my life is always greater than my problems. Trust him. He loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections. He specializes in hopeless situations.
In summary, never give up, for my spirits are being renewed every day. My present troubles are small and won't last, yet they produce a glory that outweighs them and will last forever. I will face problems that include losing heart and wanting to give up. In the example of Paul, instead of quitting, he concentrated on an inner strength that came from the Holy Spirit. So don't let fatigue, pain or criticism force me off the job. Rather renew my commitment to serving Christ. I can find purpose in what I'm going through. It reminds me of what Christ endured for me, it keeps me from pride, it causes me to look beyond this life, gives me opportunity to prove my faith to others and gives God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. Begin to see troubles as opportunities. Asking why is the wrong question, instead ask, "God, what's your purpose in this"? Nothing comes into my life by accident. God can bring good from every thing. The trials I encounter reveal my character, maturity, security, value and faith. God's purpose for my life is always greater than my problems. Learn to trust him.
As I see things unfolding in my work life today, there is some pride that I need to get over. I had possibly and arrogantly believed too much in myself and my own power. How I handle it today will show and set an example for others.
I pray this morning Father that you help me with my pride and understanding. Help me to be humble and open to learn in my situation. Help me to know with confidence that you have a plan for what I’m experiencing and going through and to trust you, versus wanting to just give up. So I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. Allow me to lead my team through the actions we need to take to complete the deficiencies. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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