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Thursday, November 15, 2018

Never Lose Hope! (2 Corinthians 4:1-7:16)


I have a very close friend who’s been like a sister to me. I’ve known her since 7th grade (almost 46 years now)! We would challenge each other in all our school activities and we were both really good: we both were outstanding in school and sports and were very popular, too. We learned to drive about the same time; we had our first part time jobs during the same summer season; we went to college together, etc. Then it all changed when I was the first one to take the commitment of faith and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This was something she would never understand then (I pray she will one day and be part of it too)!

16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].” (3:16-17)

She’d ask: “Why on earth did you decide to turn your back to our religion?” I explained and witnessed to her, but she just did not give in.

 Things continued changing in our lives: a year later, I was the first one to marry and move away from home. I kept in touch with her through mail and we’d eventually call each other. Every time I return home to visit, we get together and revive those early years of our friendship. Over the years our friendship has remained, but even though I’ve witnessed to her she will still ask the same questions:

- What difference does it make to “have another religion” if the closer you are to God, you and your family have experienced so many trials?-

Over the years all I have to say is that our Father has been FAITHFUL and as Paul writes:

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation.” (4:1)

Yes, our life as Christians might not be appealing to many, for they believe we give up much of what this world offers… it is not so!

 “But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (4:2)






Our family might not seem successful according to this world’s standards but we have a hidden treasure (4:6-7) in us and nothing can take it away! God has given us the light of His knowledge and majesty through Jesus, and we have the responsibility to let it out.  He "shined it in us" so we could "shine it out" to the world. It is ALL about HIM and for HIM!

Paul preached his gospel boldly with the power of the Holy Spirit, and he valued the greatness of his calling, which gave him the courage to face great difficulties (4:8-11). 

“This is a wonderful ministry, Paul reminds us- one that you are privileged to have because it was given to you by God himself. It is a magnificent extension of God’s mercy that he allows us to minister to others in the name of his own son” (iWorship Bible)

We often lose heart because we do not consider how great a calling God has given us in Jesus. We tend to look at our weaknesses instead of looking within us, for He has given us His Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1Cor. 4:20; Eph. 3:20; 2Tim. 1:7) which empowers us to witness to those who are still with a veil upon their eyes!

Lately my friend has been through trials and desperation. She even was diagnosed with depression. I praise our Father for I was able to pray with her and she believed our Father could heal her in the Name of Jesus… and He did! I know one day He will remove that veil from her eyes, too!
May we allow God’s light and power to shine through us today in the attitude and way we serve others. May we rejoice in the wonderful ministry to which He has called us! (iWorship Bible)
Blessings,

Mari