Happy Friday! While planning for the new year we are in anticipation of things unseen. The new year brings a lot of hope to people. It’s hope for a fresh start and renewal of energy to set goals and reach new heights. We strive to reach goals in hope that we will accomplish what we set out to achieve. In order to do so, we build tenacity, fortitude and show grit, especially as we near the sixth month of the year. As Christians, Paul reminds the Corinthian people and us today of the importance of keeping our eyes focused on the things that will last. Join me as we finish 2 Corinthians chapter four. 

Bible Verse – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT

“¹⁶ That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are^[e] being renewed every day. ¹⁷ For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! ¹⁸ So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

Reflection

This week, we read chapter four in its entirety. Paul began with the reason for never giving up, he challenged us to stand in faith even when we are being pressed on every side. Today, we read how Paul concludes – no matter what he will “never give up”.

Paul covered key points:

• Our spirits are renewed every day.
• Our troubles won’t last very long.
• Our trouble produces a glory that will out last them. They become our testimony of faith and triumph forever. 
• Fix our eyes on the things unseen, that will last forever.

Sisters and brothers, as we plan for the remainder of the year, remember to put God first on the list. Ensure that we find time to consult with Him on our plans. Create a space where you are able to sit at the feet of Jesus with a willing heart for Him to readjust those plans and with an open mind to do what He has called you to do. 

Sisters and brothers, stay in the race and “never give up”. As things fall around us, we must keep our eyes on the One who knows every detail of our lives. Watch Him work and give Him all the glory. 

Prayer

Father God, thank you for being our shield and protection. Thank you for being an endless light within us. Thank you for saving us. Lord, renew our spirit each day that we are here on earth. Lord, while our present troubles won’t last always, strengthen us as we pass through the troubled waters. Lord, equip us with wisdom and knowledge to understand your will even when it doesn’t go according to our plan. Lord, you are the One who sees and knows all things. Lord, help us to feel your presence and experience your peace. Lord, when we are troubled or when all things are well, help us to stay focused. Help us to keep our eyes on you and your promises, so that we may experience more of you in our lives every day.

Lord, In Jesus name, amen. 

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