In a world filled with challenges, disappointments, and constant change, it's easy to become disheartened. The daily news, personal struggles, and the weight of life's burdens can leave us feeling discouraged and depleted. Yet, there are profound reasons why we should never lose heart, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
At the core of this message lies a powerful truth: God's evident work in us. When we truly encounter the transformative power of faith, our lives change from the inside out. This isn't about putting on a facade or adhering to a set of rules. It's about a deep, internal shift that manifests in our actions, motivations, and the very essence of who we are.
Consider the thief on the cross beside Jesus. In his final moments, he recognized Christ for who He was and placed his faith in Him. Jesus assured him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." This man couldn't perform any good works or religious rituals. His salvation was purely by faith. Yet, had he survived, there's no doubt his life would have been radically different from that moment forward. Why? Because the life of God had invaded his soul.
This transformation is not about changing from the outside in, as many religions and self-help philosophies suggest. True change comes from the inside out. It's not about doing enough good deeds or presenting the right image. It's about God's life taking root in our hearts and producing genuine fruit in our lives.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, spoke of renouncing "the hidden things of shame" and not walking in craftiness or handling God's word deceitfully. This wasn't about trying harder to be good. It was a natural outflow of the change God had wrought in him. Paul knew he was not the same person he once was. God had fundamentally altered his heart, his motivations, and his purpose in life.
But what about those who seem blind to this truth? Here we encounter another profound reason not to lose heart: God's gracious revelation to us. The Bible portrays unbelievers as being under a veil, their minds blinded by the "god of this age." This spiritual blindness keeps them from understanding the good news of Jesus Christ.
Charles Spurgeon, the renowned 19th-century preacher, described his own conversion experience in vivid terms. He had heard the gospel countless times before, but suddenly, it was as if he was hearing it for the first time. The message hadn't changed, but his ability to perceive and receive it had. God had opened his spiritual eyes.
This brings us to perhaps the most thrilling reason never to lose heart: God's miraculous power around us. Every person who comes to faith is a living miracle. Just as God spoke light into the darkness at creation, He shines His light into our hearts, dispelling the darkness of unbelief and revealing the glory of Christ.
Think about it. Before God said, "Let there be light," the world was shrouded in complete darkness. Many people's lives are like that – uncertain, confused, without direction. But in an instant, God can speak light into that darkness, just as He did at creation. This creative miracle changes everything.
For those praying for loved ones who seem resistant to the gospel, take heart. The same God who opened your eyes can do the same for them. It's not about winning arguments or presenting more information. What's needed is a miracle – the miracle of spiritual sight.
Remember the plague of darkness that fell on Egypt? While the Egyptians were engulfed in a darkness so thick it could be felt, the Israelites had light in their dwellings. This serves as a powerful metaphor. Even when darkness surrounds us, wherever God commands light, it shines.
Importantly, this light comes to us through Jesus Christ alone. The apostle Paul emphasizes that God has "shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." It's not through religious rituals, good deeds, or philosophical understanding. The veil of spiritual blindness is lifted only through encountering Jesus.
This truth applies not just to our initial coming to faith, but to our ongoing walk as well. There are still moments of darkness and confusion in the Christian life. But as we seek the Lord, He continually brings His light, illuminating His word and giving us understanding. "The entrance of Your words gives light," declares the Psalmist.
So what does this mean for us practically? First, it calls us to gratitude. If you've experienced this miraculous work of God in your life, take a moment to thank Him. Your ability to see spiritual truth is not due to your own intelligence or goodness, but to His grace.
Second, it should motivate us to prayer. If you're burdened for someone who doesn't know Christ, don't give up. Pray fervently that God would open their eyes, just as He opened yours. Remember, a miracle is needed in every case, and God is in the business of performing miracles.
Finally, it should fill us with hope. No matter how dark the world seems, God's light can break through in an instant. He who spoke light into primordial darkness can speak light into any situation, any heart, any life.
In a world that often seems shrouded in darkness, we have every reason to remain full of hope. God's evident work in us, His gracious revelation to us, and His miraculous power around us all testify to the unshakeable reality of His love and His ability to transform lives. So take heart, dear friend. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
At the core of this message lies a powerful truth: God's evident work in us. When we truly encounter the transformative power of faith, our lives change from the inside out. This isn't about putting on a facade or adhering to a set of rules. It's about a deep, internal shift that manifests in our actions, motivations, and the very essence of who we are.
Consider the thief on the cross beside Jesus. In his final moments, he recognized Christ for who He was and placed his faith in Him. Jesus assured him, "Today you will be with me in paradise." This man couldn't perform any good works or religious rituals. His salvation was purely by faith. Yet, had he survived, there's no doubt his life would have been radically different from that moment forward. Why? Because the life of God had invaded his soul.
This transformation is not about changing from the outside in, as many religions and self-help philosophies suggest. True change comes from the inside out. It's not about doing enough good deeds or presenting the right image. It's about God's life taking root in our hearts and producing genuine fruit in our lives.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, spoke of renouncing "the hidden things of shame" and not walking in craftiness or handling God's word deceitfully. This wasn't about trying harder to be good. It was a natural outflow of the change God had wrought in him. Paul knew he was not the same person he once was. God had fundamentally altered his heart, his motivations, and his purpose in life.
But what about those who seem blind to this truth? Here we encounter another profound reason not to lose heart: God's gracious revelation to us. The Bible portrays unbelievers as being under a veil, their minds blinded by the "god of this age." This spiritual blindness keeps them from understanding the good news of Jesus Christ.
Charles Spurgeon, the renowned 19th-century preacher, described his own conversion experience in vivid terms. He had heard the gospel countless times before, but suddenly, it was as if he was hearing it for the first time. The message hadn't changed, but his ability to perceive and receive it had. God had opened his spiritual eyes.
This brings us to perhaps the most thrilling reason never to lose heart: God's miraculous power around us. Every person who comes to faith is a living miracle. Just as God spoke light into the darkness at creation, He shines His light into our hearts, dispelling the darkness of unbelief and revealing the glory of Christ.
Think about it. Before God said, "Let there be light," the world was shrouded in complete darkness. Many people's lives are like that – uncertain, confused, without direction. But in an instant, God can speak light into that darkness, just as He did at creation. This creative miracle changes everything.
For those praying for loved ones who seem resistant to the gospel, take heart. The same God who opened your eyes can do the same for them. It's not about winning arguments or presenting more information. What's needed is a miracle – the miracle of spiritual sight.
Remember the plague of darkness that fell on Egypt? While the Egyptians were engulfed in a darkness so thick it could be felt, the Israelites had light in their dwellings. This serves as a powerful metaphor. Even when darkness surrounds us, wherever God commands light, it shines.
Importantly, this light comes to us through Jesus Christ alone. The apostle Paul emphasizes that God has "shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." It's not through religious rituals, good deeds, or philosophical understanding. The veil of spiritual blindness is lifted only through encountering Jesus.
This truth applies not just to our initial coming to faith, but to our ongoing walk as well. There are still moments of darkness and confusion in the Christian life. But as we seek the Lord, He continually brings His light, illuminating His word and giving us understanding. "The entrance of Your words gives light," declares the Psalmist.
So what does this mean for us practically? First, it calls us to gratitude. If you've experienced this miraculous work of God in your life, take a moment to thank Him. Your ability to see spiritual truth is not due to your own intelligence or goodness, but to His grace.
Second, it should motivate us to prayer. If you're burdened for someone who doesn't know Christ, don't give up. Pray fervently that God would open their eyes, just as He opened yours. Remember, a miracle is needed in every case, and God is in the business of performing miracles.
Finally, it should fill us with hope. No matter how dark the world seems, God's light can break through in an instant. He who spoke light into primordial darkness can speak light into any situation, any heart, any life.
In a world that often seems shrouded in darkness, we have every reason to remain full of hope. God's evident work in us, His gracious revelation to us, and His miraculous power around us all testify to the unshakeable reality of His love and His ability to transform lives. So take heart, dear friend. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Pastor Phil Morgan
Posted in 2 Corinthians: Onward We Stumble
Recent
Archive
2025
February
March
April
No Comments