Paul Says, Hang In There

Mid-week Message/Devotion

February 14, 2018

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Paul says – Hang In There

Wishing All A Very Happy Valentine’s Day

Sunday, we experienced the Glory of the Transfiguration and it left us with such a powerful and uplifting understanding of not only the Glory of the Triune God, but the Glory of Heaven.

Now today, we read the uplifting message from Paul that helps us understand even more the glory of the gospel. It is a short reading with a BIG message. Paul is basically saying, “times are hard” – there is a darkness in our earthly environment. Where there is darkness, there is discouragement and confusion. Paul tells us, (paraphrasing of course) – “Be encouraged! Stay in the race! There is a light that overcomes all darkness! That light is the glory of Jesus the Christ!”

Heed Paul’s message. We are confronted directly and indirectly by non-believers and even pretenders, who are blinded to the truth. Paul, preachers, ministers and clergy of all shapes, sizes are sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus. The person in the pulpit is not the source of that truth and light. The one in the pulpit is the transmitter of that light.

You and I are but vessels. We are created to serve God and each other. No that is no small task. It is a daunting and challenging task. We grow weary of reaching out to others who are looking for materialistic blessings and personal glory. We see that all the time, don’t we?

But Paul helps us here by telling us that no matter how old we get, how cracked and damaged we vessels become, we are not to fade nor give up. But you say, enough is enough – we aren’t growing – we don’t see the light that Paul speaks of.

Brethren, we get discouraged when we want to believe that it is of our own doing! If we continue and are obedient, what we are doing is channeling the light of the gospel that shines through us. We see and hear of miracles every day, many to those on our prayer list. Those victories are not our victories – those victories belong to Christ.

Beloved, understand that sharing and shining the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a ministry that is bestowed upon EVERY believer. If you think that the pulpit is the place for sharing the gospel, you have been misled.

“16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen Matthew 28:16-20

Yes, one must be prepared. That preparation comes from reading, studying and meditating on the word of God – The Holy Scriptures. Worship and worship music is good but not the primary function of the church, seek a bible-based church that is consistent in sharing messages from the very word of God.

It is easy to get discouraged and want to just sit and listen and go home feeling good until next Sunday. Feeling good has more to do with emotion, and as I often say – emotion is fleeting.

Stay the course, stay in the race. Absorb what God has for you and then SHARE it.

Let us pray