WE NEVER GIVE UP
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 16 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul demonstrated an inner peace despite outer turmoil. He had reached a point in his life that his peace and joy were not going to be dependent on his present circumstances. Regardless of the struggle on the outside Paul could say, "our spirits are being renewed every day." Most of us are not living with the constant pressure of persecution that Paul faced. We aren't in fear for our lives. But some are facing circumstances that are not favorable. For some there are physical battles that look impossible. Others don't know where they will get enough money for the rent or groceries. Others are suffering through the loss of a loved one or a broken relationship that still stings. Regardless of your outer circumstance, know that your spirit can be renewed every day. There are new mercies from God that are available daily. There is new grace, new strength, new revelation, and new direction that is available when you invite the Holy Spirit into your life each day.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I need You. I want You to transform my thinking so that I can see my life from God's perspective. I want to think like God thinks. I want to remove anything and everything that would hinder God's grace from working in me. I admit I cannot do life on my own. I ask for divine help today.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”