Journey, an update 7-9-07

I’ve been reading in 2 Corinthians 1- 5. There is a great deal about suffering and hardships and persecutions in these verses. But one of the things that stood out to me was Paul’s “therefore” comments.

“Therefore, since we have such a hope we are very bold.” 3:12
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” 4:1
“Therefore, we do not lose heart.” 4:16
“Therefore, we are always confident.” 5:6

These verses are a positive reminder that though we may be “under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure*” and though we are hard-pressed,** perplexed,** persecuted,** and struck down** and even though we may be “given over to death for Jesus’ sake***” we have reason to be bold, to be confident and to not lose heart.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 4:18

I am encouraged to remember that God is working out His plan far beyond what I can see and comprehend and that I can trust Him, be confident in faith and not lose heart when things get tough. It is always encouraging to me to be reminded again that there is an eternal perspective beyond what I can see and that all of the things that I encounter on a day to day basis fit into God’s plan.

* 2 Corinthians 1:8
** 2 Corinthians 4:8
*** 2 Corinthians 4:11