By Michael A. Milton
Paul focused on the doctrine of the resurrection and the truth of God's grace in Christ. He was saying that we can all go forward because Christ is victorious. He was saying that we can go forward, keep playing even though we are down for a while, because we are saved through God's grace. Besides all this, it is really not our power anyway, but God's working in us. And all of this, he was saying, is causing thanksgiving. God is being glorified in your fourth quarter trials.
3. Rally your own soul
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. - 2 Corinthians 4:1
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
Paul bookends this section with these words: " . . . we do not lose heart . . . Therefore we do not lose heart." Because God is God, because Christ is alive, there is time on the clock! This thing is not over. The gun has not sounded!
O how God wants you to know this, my beloved. Do not lose heart.
4. Embrace the struggle
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. — 2 Corinthians 4:17
Here is another great verse. It says that our temporary pain is paving the way for eternal praise. Our temporary setback is setting the stage for a sensational finale!
I have in my library a book that contains the stories of ministers who have fallen into burnout. Burnout is not fatigue, but a loss of meaning. I often quote Moody, who said, "I am tired in the work but not tired of the work, and there is a huge difference." Well, each case tells of expectations that exploded, dreams which were dashed, and how one by one, each man demitted the ministry. But the author saved the final chapter for a minister who said that though he was an old man, he was as excited as ever about the ministry. What was his secret? He said that years ago, when God called him to preach, he knew that this was a calling to embrace trials as a way of life, and that he was never disappointed.
Life contains struggles. But it is only a light affliction, for soon you will stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
This leads us to look at verse 18 and the last thing we must do.
5. Eye the eternal