Read: II Corinthians 4:1-12
Think: Most of our daily readings during 100 Days of Faith in Action have been focused on Paul’s journeys, his ministry, and the complexities of his relationships with coworkers and the early church. In all honesty, Paul has been more than candid about the extreme difficulties involved in living the Christian life. Yet he states in II Corinthians 4:1, “…we never give up.” In II Corinthians 4:8, he continues his never-give-up attitude with the following famous words, “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.”
Act: In this chapter, Paul doesn’t hesitate to tell the Corinthian church that “we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus.” His candid presentation of faith (its realities and complexities) reminds me of how Roger, my husband, opens his Pre-Marital Class. He tells couples that though they are infatuated during the dating or engagement period, marriage will be different and difficult. Roger cautions, “What came naturally during dating (sacrifice, unselfishness, patience) must become intentional after marriage, when the infatuation hormones have settled down!” Christianity is like marriage. It takes work to stay committed, remain faithful over one’s lifetime, and intentional or immovable when inevitable trials occur. Today, journal about your resolve to remain faithful to God. Let God (and others) know that, though you have been pressed or perplexed or knocked down, you know that you are not—and will never be—abandoned by God.
Pray: Dear Jesus, show me any area of my life where I am tempted to lose heart or where I need more of Your strength to help me. I know that when I feel pressed, or perplexed or knocked down, I can call on you, and You will help me. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
