Don’t Lose Heart

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7‭-‬10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
[7] Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. [9] And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
[11] Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. [15] See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. [16] Rejoice always,
[18] in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not despise prophecies. [21] Test all things; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil. [23] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

As we start getting older, our bodies begin to change. Muscles might ache. Hair might gradually turn gray. Vision and hearing might eventually get less sharp. And we, or someone we love, might even struggle with significant or devastating health challenges.

The apostle Paul once offered some ageless wisdom to the believers in Corinth, Greece, which can still be helpful for us today:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul knew what it was like to face hard things; he’d been beaten, shipwrecked, snake bitten, and imprisoned.

Earlier in the letter, he’d said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV)‬‬

The ripple effects of sin’s existence in the world might frustrate us physically, but it cannot touch us spiritually.

Whether you’re dealing with a serious diagnosis, physical shame, or are simply exhausted by the weight of everyday responsibilities, don’t give up. Your body might be aching, but God can still renew your spirit—day after day after day.

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:24‭-‬25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
[24] Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, [25] To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.