![]() P>LAKE FOREST, CA (Catholic Online) - Like millions of other Christians, people of faith and all people of good will, we received with deep sadness the news of the death of Pastor Rick Warren's beloved son Matthew. Pastor, God wants to use your pain to help many other people.Keywords: Pastor Rick Warren, Kay Warren, Matthew Warren, Saddleback Church, Purpose Driven Life, ecumenism, suicide, Deacon Keith Fournier I don’t know what’s discouraging you, but I know God wants to bring you peace. Paul kept his troubles in perspective, and it helped him persevere. But things that can’t be seen last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 GW). Things that can be seen are only temporary. We don’t look for things that can be seen but for things that can’t be seen. Paul, who had been through unimaginable suffering at this point, writes: “Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. ![]() But when you focus on all God has planned for you in heaven, you won’t get discouraged. Look beyond the present and focus on what’s next. It’s like hooking up the jumper cables to get your spirit recharged. How do you renew yourself daily? Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 CWT) No matter what project you’re working on, you won’t see it through without taking time for renewal.įor the third time in 2 Corinthians 4, Paul writes in verse 16 about why he isn’t discouraged, “ That is why we are not discouraged. Until you figure out how to find regular refreshment, you’ll always be discouraged. Keep going because God will use your pain. Your greatest ministry will come from your deepest hurt. Sometimes God lets you go through pain so that it will help others. He then tells us why in verse 15: “All this is for your sake so that, as God’s kindness overflows in the lives of many people, it will produce even more thanksgiving to the glory of God.” We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up” (GW). Paul described this from his own life in 2 Corinthians 4:8: “In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. Study after study shows us that humans can handle an enormous amount of suffering if they believe there is a purpose in it. That’s why we can relax and be honest about our limitations. God often puts his greatest gifts in the weakest people so it’s clear that he is the One who is at work. He’s just being honest about his weakness. Paul compares himself to pottery that can easily crack. ![]() The real power comes from God and not from us” (CEV). Paul describes his own physical weakness in 2 Corinthians 4:7 when he writes: “We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. We all need a realistic view of what we can do. We get discouraged when we try to do more than humanly possible. It’s about Jesus.” Discouragement happens when we forget the why. Whether I’m praised or criticized, I whisper to myself: “It’s not about me. Some days I have to say that to myself 20 times. Pastor, your name may be on the sign in front of your church, but your message is not about you. Paul reminds us: “Our message is not about ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:5 The Message). You’re more likely to be discouraged when you’re self-focused. It is in our weaknesses that we actually help people the most. We’re afraid we’ll ruin our ministries if we’re honest about our pain. Fear often keeps us from being vulnerable. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this ” (NLT). Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:2: “ We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. Nothing is more discouraging than trying to be something you’re not. Just because you’re a church leader doesn’t mean you have to pretend you’re not hurting. When you’re discouraged, focus on that love. The number one purpose of your life isn’t to love God. Pastor, if that’s the voice you’re hearing, it’s not God. Some people don’t feel God’s love because they think God is angry at them all the time. You can’t feel discouraged and feel the love of God at the same time. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:1: “We don’t become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through his mercy” (GW). But do you feel it in your heart? When you stop feeling the love of God, you’ll get discouraged. You’ve preached about it and shared it many times. If you’re in a difficult season, take some time to consider his words. In 2 Corinthians, Paul describes being shipwrecked, flogged, beaten, stoned-and much more.īut Paul also gives us seven, time-tested principles for overcoming discouragement. The greatest missionary in the history of the church faced all kinds of discouraging circumstances. No matter what’s discouraging you today, know this: You’re not alone.
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