“…Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart,” says the Apostle Paul. Sounds to me like he is trying to talk himself out of being discouraged and quitting. Why? Well his critics, and some of the folk in the Corinthian church were looking around and counting noses. Hey Pastor Paul, we’re wondering why there aren’t more people here. It doesn’t appear you’re all that successful in the ministry you have going. Why aren’t more people converting to your gospel message? Are you preaching it right? Perhaps it’s the wrong message. As a pastor it’s sometimes easy to focus on desired results as opposed to simple obedience to the Lord.
Probably a silly question to ask, but do you ever feel discouraged in your walk with the Lord? Do you ever feel like quitting? Do you ever wonder, or feel like, you’re simply going through religious motions? Every once in a while I wonder if what I am doing is of any lasting value. I think Paul pondered that very same thing. But he offers some good perspective… “Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry.” Paul sees himself as an instrument of God at work. It is through God’s mercy and grace that he has the opportunity to spread the light of the good news of Jesus Christ. Do you consider yourself an instrument of God? If you’ve accepted Christ, you are a “minister of the gospel” just like Paul. Because our world is very results oriented, it is easy to look at our life in Christ as what we lack; or what we’re not presently doing for the Kingdom. May you take courage from our brother Paul, who bases his success in his faithfulness of sharing Jesus Christ, and not on the empty words of his critics.
Dave Bach