So We Do Not Lose Heart

I remember when I first started at my first church as a lead pastor. I was just getting my feet wet, just learning the ropes of the church, when I learned about a member of our congregation who needed a visit. He was relatively young, in his 50’s, and recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. 

I went to see him, but I was nervous. What do you say in a situation like that? When I arrived, much to my surprise, this man was in good spirits. He laughed easily. His wife even joked, “I don’t know what’s gotten into him these last few months.” He said to us, “Well when you know your time is short – you realize how precious it is…” 

When we held hands to pray before I left, I could feel his inner strength. He was confident that death would not have the last word… and he knew that in the time he had left, he still had something to offer.

I’ve heard other stories too – about how just when life seemed to be falling apart – something deep inside started to grow: a hope that couldn’t be contained, a hope that you would see a loved one again, hope that tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today – things can change – that there can be a new start. I’ve had others tell me that just at that moment when they thought they were just about beyond their ability to cope – a strange peace came over them, or an inexplicable sense of joy arose out of the darkness…

In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, the Apostle Paul writes, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”

Later he adds, “So we do not lose heart.” And then he makes this amazing statement, “Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day….” 

Let us pray: We praise you, O God, knowing that you can bring strength out of weakness, joy out of sorrow, and even life out of death. We ask you today to meet us in our brokenness, our failures, our shortcomings, our heartaches, and pains. We do ask for healing and renewal. Help us not to lose heart, but instead to trust. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.