Today's Journal
NEVER GIVE UP
Paul, an apostle, wrote in two different letters to encourage the new Christians in the early church to “not lose heart.’“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1).
“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
The reasons given for this encouragement are: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So, we live in the face of death” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12).
Paul also encouraged the Galatians church: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).
In the version quoted (NASV), it uses the term ‘do not lose heart.’ The New Living Translation uses: “Never Give Up.” The fight is on…it has always been on. Never give up. Do not lose heart.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” Jesus