A
few months ago, I was in a conversation with a young Pastor about ministry,
mentoring and whether or not one had Biblical heroes – those who stood head and
shoulders above their contemporaries. After listening to my choices (Caleb in
the OT; Epaphras/Barnabas in the NT), it seemed that he became pious by
stating, “my only hero is Jesus.” That statement is true enough but misses a
larger point – Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly throughout his life;
Epaphras labored in prayer for God’s people that they would stand firm and be
fully assured in all the will of God; Barnabas knew how to embrace others as an
encourager and instill hope and possibilities for others. Any one of my heroes
would share that one should never give up but always press on toward the goal
and prize (Philippians 3:13-15).
In
Our Daily Bread for Thursday - July 19, 2018 the following was shared: “My coworker Tom keeps
an 8 X 12 glass cross on his desk. His friend Phil, who like Tom is a
cancer survivor, gave it to him to help him look at everything through the
cross. The glass cross is a constant reminder of God’s love and good purposes
for him. That’s a challenging
idea for all believers in Jesus, especially during difficult times…The apostle
Paul’s life was certainly an example of having a cross-shaped perspective. He
described himself in times of suffering as being persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed (Second Corinthians 4:9). He believed that in the
hard times, God is at work, achieving for us an eternal glory that far
outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is
unseen (vv. 17–18).”
When Jesus was calling and training disciples,
a scribe asked Jesus: "What is the greatest commandment of all?" Jesus
replied that there is one standard set for God’s people and His chosen
servants. In Mark 12:29-31, Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 when he answered: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord, and you
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your
neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” To love the
Lord with “ALL YOUR MIND” is sometimes challenging.
I have
personally and recently interacted with two of God’s special people who have
been facing the challenge of depression, despondency and moments of involuntary
confusion. From firsthand experience, there are moments when lethargy and a
sense of uselessness occur. During such times, certain things come to the
confused and despondent mind/brain. At such times, one is wise to be reminded of Isaiah 41:9-10,
“You are My servant. I have
chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be
afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will
uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.”
Additionally, a contemporary
worship chorus is helpful to review. It is based upon Psalm 119:105 –
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and
a light unto my path…
When I feel afraid, Think I've lost
my way,
Still you're there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear
As long as you are near. Please be
near me to the end….
I will not forget Your love for me
and yet
My heart forever is wandering. Jesus
be my guide,
And hold me to your side, I will
love you to the end…”
An older Hymn written by Fanny Crosby (1903) shares:
Never be sad or desponding,
If thou
hast faith to believe.
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask
of thy God and receive.
Refrain
Never give up, never
give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart.
Trust in
the Lord, trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust
in the Lord and take heart.
If you are downcast, discouraged, despondent or depressed, read and
believe Galatians 6:8-9, “The one who sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow
weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we DO NOT GIVE
UP.”
Prayerfully – consider these things with me.
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