We Do Not Lose Heart

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (KJV)

¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

In these verses, Paul tells us that he has found the secret to staying encouraged in the Lord.

An Incredible Statement

In verse 16, Paul says “For which cause we faint not…”  That is an amazing statement! Paul is telling us that regardless of what comes his way, he does not give up,  he does not give in, he does not give out. Paul did not lose heart.

Paul is not bragging here. He is making a simple statement of fact. His life was anything but easy. He was in danger of his own countrymen, of the Gentiles, in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea, and among false brethren. He was weary, often sleepless, in hunger, in thirst, often in fasting, cold and naked. Yet, in spite of all those trials, tribulations, and burdens,  the Apostle Paul is able to say to you and me today “I never lose heart.”

God certainly understands our shortcomings and our weaknesses. Yet the best response to fear is not running from trouble, but rather running on the throne  to the Lord in faith, just like what the Apostle Paul did.

A Familiar Struggle

Paul identifies a common struggle that we all face – “though our outward man perish.” The “outer man” refers to the fleshly part of us, both the body and the mind. The results of aging in the body and sin in the mind conspire or act together to strip away joy, hope, and peace of heart and mind.

Another element is this world that causes us to lose heart is other people. If this fallen nature doesn’t get you, fallen people will. When life and people turn against you, it is so easy to come to the place where you just want to quit. But you don’t have to!

You don’t have to be defeated. You don’t have to become a statistic. You don’t have to be one of those people who used to walk with God. You don’t have to be one of those people who used to go to church. You don’t have to be one of those who used to be faithful. You can reach a place where you do not lose heart, just like the Apostle Paul did.

A Wonderful Secret

What we need, what I need, is to come to the place Paul came to. The secret to not losing heart involves at least three important realizations.

First, we are given fresh strength for every day. Paul reminds us that while the “outward man” is perishing, “the inward man” is renewed day by day. While every day brings with it its unique problems, every day also comes with its own measure of grace from the hands of the Father in Heaven.

Second, nothing we face in this life will last forever. Notice carefully the language Paul uses here. He says, “our light affliction, which is but for a moment…”  What Paul is saying is this, the problems of life that seem so heavy right now, the troubles that seem as if they will never end, the burdens we think will break us under their weight, are really just weighty for the moment.  He tells us that compared with the eternal weight of glory that we will experience when we arrive home in Heaven, everything we face here is “light and easy.”

Lastly, we must maintain the proper perspective. Ask the Lord to help you to get your eyes off what you can see and to help you to look beyond this world to the glory awaits in His presence.

Live in the truth of who you are in Jesus Christ. You are a pilgrim and a stranger. You are just a person passing through this world on your way home. Along the way, you will become disillusioned, defeated, and discouraged, but you do not have to lose heart. God can and will help you make the journey home with glory in your soul, if you will keep your eyes on Him, and not on what you see.