Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Thought for the Day: Are you a person who can easily become discouraged? I tend to be pretty optimistic, finding the positive in most things. But like most people, the negativity and the barriers tossed before us can come together and discourage even the best among us. In moments like that, I often turn to Paul and the stories of the early church in the Book of Acts. There, I am reminded of the constant barrage of negativity and barriers that were put before our forefathers and foremothers. These people had every reason to toss in the towel and walk away, yet they did not lose heart. For them, it was because their ministry was rooted in God’s mercy. They continued to remind themselves that their work was a calling, not to be successful but to be faithful. There are times when faithfulness can feel like a series of backward steps, but the collective faithfulness of a community creates a witness that is and will continue to make a difference in the world.
Prayer: May any discouragement be washed away by your mercy, O God of Grace. Continue to remind me of your calling that demands a faithfulness to the ways of Jesus, not to some worldly benchmarks that are ultimately empty of meaning. Amen.
SEE YOU TOMORROW
FOR WORSHIP
