God's Word to the Discouraged

CONSIDER THIS

Abraham Lincoln knew his share of discouraging moments, especially during the Civil War, he had “a strong impression that I shall not live to see the end.” And then, in the darkness a flicker of hope burst into flame. He was able to proclaim, “Thank God I have lived to see this. It seems to me that I have been dreaming a horrid dream for four years, and now the nightmare is gone.”

Paul knew how Lincoln must have felt as he walked into Corinth, feeling alone and discouraged. And now he’s faced with this tough town: proud, cultured, wealthy and immoral. No fooling, the Corinthians were well known all over the Roman empire for their perversion, immorality, and corruption. 

God is forever faithful and encourages Paul every step:

• Providing new invaluable friends who come alongside to minister with him.
• Inspiring him to focus on sharing the simple gospel message to everyone — including the outsiders, rejected, oppressed, broken and lost. At one time, such were all of us.
• Reminding him that He is always with us!

The Lord gives us the encouragement we need, as well. Look around. He’s given us each other — so go for it, rely on one another as we are on mission together, telling others the simple grace-filled message about Jesus. Fear and discouragement is defeated not when danger or darkness is absent, but because God is present. He *is* with us. Always!