Liquid Fast - Week 3, Day 1

Do Not Lose Heart

Hi guys!! Pastor Dave here as we start Easter week.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible, begins ... "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." The last phrase consistently grabs my attention. Who knows how to not "lose heart"? I'm all ears because so often I do lose heart. It can happen so quickly and so frequently!

Some of you have been fasting for two weeks, reading the daily emails, praying each day but still you have not seen any significant breakthroughs. I imagine you are tempted to be discouraged and to give up. In fact, for some of you, life seems to have gotten worse rather than better. The intensity with which you ask increases... How do I not lose heart?

READ and FEED: 2 Corinthians 4:1-9

JOURNAL: What helps the Apostle Paul to not lose heart is being reminded of what God has provided for us through Jesus Christ. Verse 6 says, "God has made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." The glory...the kavod... of God shines in our hearts. When God first created the world, it was completely dark and God commanded the light to shine. Now, when God saves us and makes us new creations, God Himself shines into our hearts. How much more personal is this second creation!

The incredible treasure of Jesus Christ is in our fragile bodies, called "jars of clay" in this passage. These "jars of clay" limit us and make us vulnerable, but because of Jesus we know that,


Even though we are--
-Hard pressed on every side
-Perplexed
-Persecuted
-Struck Down
We are not--
-Crushed
-In Despair
-Abandoned
-Destroyed

PRAY: As you pray today, ask God to help you see the light of the knowledge of the glory...the kavod... of God which is in every one of us who believes in Jesus Christ. Ask Him for the courage to not lose heart by being reminded that He is with you despite the difficult and discouraging situations you may be facing today.