ServantOne
Helping Others Get To Where They Want To Go
Redefining A Heavy Load To Carry
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! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT
In every challenge, we are provided with a choice . . . believe in the process or be burdened with the problem.
There’s an old adage attributed to Coach Knute Rockne, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
The daily grind often produces a debilitating grief. But, those who endure will engage . . . the promise of everlasting hope gives us everyday help.
The apostle writes, “. . . And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” (2 Cor 4:15 NLT) Paul provides roadsigns to guide us on this potential and promising journey.
Our Resolve. “That is why we never give up.” Paul’s conviction is to never concede. Often, our defeat is birthed in our denial that the Divine will deliver us. Don’t give up. Franklin D. Roosevelt says, “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” The apostle reminds us, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chron 15:7 NIV) Perseverance with purpose from above is powerful.
Our Renewal. Renewal and refreshment lead to our replenishment. These bodies wear down and wear out, yet our minds are made new and our spirits are sustained. Isaiah tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Is 40:31 NIV)
Our Reason. In the time frame of eternity, our trials are tiny and temporary. Paul reminds us, “For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (2 Cor 4:17 NET). Any grief is our gain with a result of God’s grace and growing glory. Peter encourages us, “And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pet 5:10 NET)
Our Recognition. Perspective is the ability to peer into God’s plan and trust in God’s purpose. Paul describes it as recognizing the eternal triumph over the everyday trial. Our seeing impacts our being. Churchill says, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” An eternal optimist sees all opportunities and obstacles from God’s observatory . . . hope and promise from a heavenly perspective.
When you feel like giving up, get up.
When you feel like groaning, be grateful.
When you can’t see with your eyes, see with His.
Allow God’s determination to drive you, deliver you and define you for your good and His glory.
ServantOne 