“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Do Not Lose Heart

Have you ever climbed Mt. Lassen? I took a group of middle school students there once on a cold, windy day in October. Conditions weren’t great, but we had come to climb the mountain, so we forged on anyway. We climbed and climbed. The wind was blowing and the kids and I were feeling like we’d put forth a lot of effort. We paused to catch our breath. We looked ahead, but the fog obscured the peak, so there was no telling how much farther. The mountain was so great; we didn’t seem to be any closer to the summit. Then we looked back. Suddenly, we could see our progress. Our van looked like a tiny toy. All our efforts had moved us forward.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

My job lately has felt like that mountain climb. Instead of happily hiking in pleasant weather, the end goal is hidden and the massive effort put forth thus far does not seem to have moved me any closer to the goal. Then I looked back at where I began. I can see the things God has taught me, the progress I’ve made. My outward man is weary, is a little more stiff and sore than it used to be. I woke up yesterday and didn’t feel like I had the heart to go on. I took a moment to reflect on how far I had come, on the good things God has done thus far at my work, and I asked the Holy Spirit to renew my enthusiasm day by day. The end may not be in sight, but I am making forward progress, and by the grace of God, I will continue.

Lord, I am weary and disheartened. I have been going and going, and don’t seem to be any closer. Thank You for Your faithfulness to renew me in my spirit. Give me strength for the next step. Thank You for the steps I have taken so far. In Your name, Amen.