Our Daily Bread: UnshakableSample

Don’t Lose Heart

We never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. -2 Corinthians 4:16

I don’t remember a time when my mom, Dorothy, was in good health.

For many years as a brittle diabetic, her blood sugar was wildly erratic. Complications developed and her damaged kidneys necessitated permanent dialysis. Neuropathy and broken bones resulted in the use of a wheelchair. Her eyesight began to regress toward blindness.

But as her body failed her, Mom’s prayer life grew more vigorous. She spent hours praying for others to know and experience the love of God. Precious words of Scripture grew sweeter to her.

Before her eyesight faded, she wrote a letter to her sister Marjorie including words from 2 Corinthians 4: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day” (v. 16).

The apostle Paul knew how easy it is to “give up.” In 2 Corinthians 11, he describes his life—as one of danger, pain, and deprivation (vv. 23–29).

Yet he viewed those “troubles” (4:17) as temporary. And he encouraged us to think not only about what we see but also about what we can’t see—that which is eternal (vv. 17–18)

Despite what’s happening to us, our loving Father is continuing our inner renewal every day. His presence with us is sure. Through the gift of prayer, He’s only a breath away. And His promises to strengthen us and give us hope and joy remain true.

Cindy Hess Kasper

What’s causing you to be discouraged or to want to “give up”? Which Scriptures are especially encouraging to you?

Precious Father, thank You for Your faithful love for me and the assurance of Your presence. Help me to trust You.