“Watch, standfast in the faith and be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

 Continuing On

Sometimes I get tired, overwhelmed, or just plain done. I know this is a bad attitude and I have no excuse. The Lord has blessed me so much, how can I even entertain this place or have this state of mind?

I’m so glad Jesus never quits or gives up, always watches, and continues to love. It’s not that I quit loving, I just fail to love well. In confessing this ugly attitude, I feel relieved and strengthened to move on. 1 John 1:9 is true! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Halleluiah! I know I’m cleansed and strengthened to move on.

I know I can’t love without Jesus’ love pouring through me. I’m His vessel and this truly is my happy spot because I know I’m in His will and in His love. So how do I continue to watch, standing fast in the faith, being brave and strong, and doing all in love? I ask the Lord, and He is faithful to speak to my heart and say to take one step at a time, focusing on Him and His purpose and heart. With this reality, things falls into place.

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1). The verses after this say we are commending man’s conscience by walking in the truth, showing others Christ’s love.

“For the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). This is how I can continue to watch, stand fast, and love well: by realizing it’s not me! It’s all Him! I love how Scripture continues to show and remind us of His powerful love that never stops and is always strong and brave! It’s that abiding faith, hope, and love! He promises to never leave or forsake us, regardless of bad attitudes or our ugly state of mind. He continues to love and draw us back to the “right” place in love.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). I know life is hard and I am hard-pressed on every side, but I have a treasure in my heart that never stops. I can be brave and do the hard thing, continuing on in an uncomfortable situation and enduring in love with patience and a smile, and not being cranky!

“Father God, I am so thankful for Jesus who always forgives and then strengthens us to continue on in Your love. Thank You that even though I may give up, You never do; You recover and restore us to Your purpose in Your faithful love.”