We Don’t Give Up
We don't put anything in anyone's way. So no one can find fault
with our work for God. Instead, we make it clear that we serve God in every
way. We serve him by holding steady. We stand firm in all kinds of trouble,
hard times and suffering.
We
don't give up when we are beaten or put in prison. When people stir up trouble
in the streets, we continue to serve God. We work hard for him. We go without
sleep and food. We remain pure. We understand completely what it means to serve
God. We are patient and kind. We serve him in the power of the Holy Spirit. We
serve him with true love. We speak the truth. We serve in the power of God. We
hold the weapons of godliness in the right hand and in the left. We serve God
in times of glory and shame. We serve him whether the news about us is bad or
good. We are true to our calling.
But
people treat us as if we were pretenders. We are known, but people treat us as
if we were unknown. We are dying, but we continue to live. We are beaten, but
we are not killed. We are sad, but we are always full of joy. We are poor, but
we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything.
Believers
at
2 Corinthians 6:3-11
Paul
and his companions suffered a great deal while spreading the gospel. We learn of their trials,
their inner traits, and their spiritual resources. Try to imagine the
circumstances those first Christians went through. Are you prepared to endure
the same to be a real witness for Christ?
In
our walk with Christ, there is no substitute for spiritual authenticity. Be
real in your beliefs.
There is no substitute for being real.
Our Daily Bread –