Keep At It!

Keep At It!

2 Corinthians 4:16 AMP

[16] Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, and reminding them of the standards that God has established for all who seek to follow Him. It is clear from the words of this letter that Paul was not going to compromise on standards in order to draw men to the fold. The schemes of men to pull crowds into church today are really mind-blowing; we do not seem to care what we do, as long as the pews are filled and the money keeps rolling in. We keep making it obvious that what we get is more important than who makes it to heaven, and the souls of men continue to perish due to wrong doctrine and selfish interests. Paul makes it clear at the start of this chapter that he renounces all disgraceful and shameful things, and would not walk in trickery, or adulterate the word of God. All he would do is to state the truth of God’s word openly and plainly. Does this even begin to describe me, or my current priorities?

Life will happen to the best of us. Every day we are given brings us closer to the end of our earthly phase. When we declare our ages, even for babies, it is always a reflection of how old we are, not how young we are. As we labour for God, we must keep at the back of our minds that we do not have forever on this side of eternity. In fact, for all who choose to submit to the Lordship and Authority of Jesus, be ready for opposition and resistance. The devil will not give up easily; he will keep at it until the end. If the devil will not give up, all who know and follow God must also not give up. We are in a fight; we are on a race; we are pilgrims on a journey to a definite and precise location, and we are soldiers fighting for a just cause. There are pressures, but we are not crushed; we get perplexed sometimes, but we are not driven to depression. We are persecuted at every turn, but we are not left on our own or deserted. 

Sometimes, we are struck down, but we are never destroyed. We have this hope that keeps us focused on God, knowing that the end indeed justifies the means. No matter what the present looks like, the future is more glorious. No matter the level of pain now, the glory ahead is even more definite. That is the basis of the hope in the verse above. There is an inner presence and power that keeps my heart hopeful, even in the face of challenges. I can face whatever today or tomorrow brings, because I have the God who owns and holds tomorrow in His hands on my side. Yes, life happens. Yes, the unexpected happens. Yes, things get uncomfortable, but when God is involved, there is an inner renewal that He is able to sustain all through my life. He is the Omnipotent God, who can do all things. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and in His hands, I will end well. Would you also trust Him with your life? God's time of favour is here.