2 Corinthians 4 (NIV)
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospelis veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The Lord has put upon my heart this morning to pray for those in ministry who are discouraged. Verse one of this passage is a key reminder when we become discouraged. Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. The Lord is always with us. He is always ready to shower us with His love, mercy and grace. Sometimes when we are dealing with difficult people or situations we forget that fact. We try to reason things out in our minds when all we have to do is look to the Lord for His direction. That is so much easier said than done. We are human beings who get our feelings hurt. But when things happen that hurt us we must allow Him to heal us. If we allow the enemy even one little step into our lives, we will be miserable. We also will be unproductive in doing the Lord's work.
This morning I am praying for…
…the pastor who is writing his resignation letter because he feels like he just can't continue on the path he is on. Lord, give him Your wisdom and Your rest.
…the pastor who is struggling with sin in his own life and can't seem to find a way out. Lord, I pray for this one to find a godly mentor who will encourage him and pray with and for him.
…the pastor who feels so overwhelmed by all of the holiday activities in their church. Lord, I pray for discernment for her on what traditions to hang onto and what ones to let go.
…the pastor who feels unworthy of the Lord's love due to the constant negative words from ones in his congregation. Lord, I pray first of all for those words to stop but I also pray for positive words to flow not only from the ones saying the negatives but also from others in this pastor's world.
…the pastor who is trying to juggle a full-time job, a sick wife and his church. Lord, please bring along side him ones who can help carry his load.
…the pastor who is hiding an illness from not only his congregation but also his family. Lord, I pray for the truth to set him free.
…the pastor who has left his ministry assignment and seeking Your will for where to go. Lord, please give him Your direction and allow him to draw closer to You during this time of transition.
…the pastor who is feeling very blessed and seeking the Lord with their whole being. Lord, I pray protection against the enemy for these ones.
…the pastor who feels like there is no one to talk to and is feeling very lonely. Lord, put a safe contact before them today that will truly listen to them.
..the pastor's spouse who is feeling used by their church. Lord, open the eyes of this one to Your healing empowerment so they can show Your love to their church family.
…the pastors who have Monday as their day off. Lord, I pray for renewal within their spirits and within their families.
…the pastor's families who feel like they are being neglected by their spouse/daddy. Lord, give these pastors discernment on how to make time for their spouse and children.
Dear Jesus,
Prayers for many have gone up this morning. I pray You will bless each pastor and pastor's spouse and family in the way they need You. I pray for You to become so real to them as they start another week. Renew them. Refresh them. Bless them in a mighty way. I pray they will live II Corinthians 4:16-18: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Empower them to keep their focus on You, Lord. Empower them to not allow things and people of this world to pull them away from You. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Empower Me! Amen.
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