Ephesians 3:1-13
When was the last time you were discouraged? Was it when you performed poorly on an exam and got a bad grade? Did you make a mistake in a game that caused your team to lose? All of us are discouraged at some point. There will be a time in your life that you will be discouraged, in school, sports, hobbies, and even your friendships. When it comes, you’ll be tempted to give up and quit caring. You’ll even be discouraged in your pursuit of Jesus. There will be a time when you’ll be tempted to quit caring about living for Him. When this happens, you’ll feel guilty and ashamed, as if you’re the only one who ever felt that way. You’re not. Even Jesus Christ was tempted to give up. Before enduring horrendous pain and suffering, Jesus was discouraged. He was tempted to not go through the agony of the cross. Thankfully Jesus didn’t give up. He had you and me in mind. He knew that he had come to save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Even though following Jesus Christ doesn’t mean that your life will be easy and pain free, trusting in Jesus, who suffered for you, will empower you to endure any level of suffering you experience. Jesus didn’t give up on you. He endured suffering to the point of losing His life for you. Since Jesus persevered and kept pushing through, in Christ we, too, can persevere and continue our pursuit of Jesus when we suffer. How do Paul’s words to the Ephesians take on new meaning when you realize that Paul was most likely lying on a cold floor in the dark with an aching body from repeated beatings in prison? What do you believe is the secret to avoiding discouragement, bitterness, unbelief, and anger while suffering?
Prayer
Ask for God’s grace to help you not lose heart in the middle of any suffering or affliction.
Daily Water 