Who hopes for what he already has? ~ Romans 8:24b
READING: Romans 8:24, 25
In our business of raising up disciples and working with all the diversity of peoples’ problems, we have many opportunities to be discouraged or disheartened with seemingly hopeless situations. We put so much time and effort into the growth and progress of potential leaders that oftentimes we will feel let down. We are aware that this could happen, but still it takes something special, some meaningful moments that give us the will and desire to go on and fulfill our calling.
Thank God for those moments, where we are so filled with joy and satisfaction that it gives us a new infusion of resolve to continue confronting difficult attitudes or issues that arise.
I have found that if we give ourselves something to look forward to, that pleasant anticipation gives us the grace to go through our other difficult times. We work better when we have a hope set before us.
My parents were very wise that way. We always had to work hard as a family in the field or around the house, sometimes to make ends meet, but mostly to teach us to work. But we always had a hope set before us, perhaps a special family trip to the beach or mountains, or a picnic down by the creek where mom and dad spent special time with us. That gave us the will power to continue working hard with joy.
It is the same with the ministry. We need to set ourselves up with regular seasons of hope to look forward to with joy and be encouraged to go on to the next season. Do you have a day off to look forward to each week or other special events to count the days?
Heavenly Father, Help me to celebrate the good moments so that the hard moments will be bearable. Amen.
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