Thursday, February 8, 2024
February 8, 2024
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray.
Read 2 Corinthians 2: 12-17
When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord, but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So, I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia.
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one group a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is qualified for these things? For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many, but as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God, we are speaking in Christ before God (NRSV).
Be Still: There are days when ministry is hard, and discouragement creeps in filling the mind with doubt and disappointment about the work at hand. Although the good days certainly outnumber the frustrating ones, the hard days can be opportunities to begin anew.
I wonder, have you ever felt discouraged in your ministry or service to God? Do you ever wonder if your efforts are making a difference, or if you are doing the right thing? If so, you are not alone. As we have learned in our recent sermon series on sowing/casting seeds, we may never see the fruit of our labor and we are not to be discouraged in continuing the work of the Lord.
Paul shares how he found motivation and encouragement amid his various ministry challenges. Many of these same opportunities are before us today to help motivate and encourage us to continue doing God’s work especially on the frustrating days. Reread this scripture slowly paying close attention to the words and phrases such as: “a door was opened,” “leads us,” “aroma,” “sincerity,” Notice how God continually opens doors for us to share the good news with others.
How do these phrases encourage you to continue sharing your love of Christ with others.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the ways you continue to lead us and open pathways to continue your work, even when the days are hard. Help us to be more attentive in all that we do, showing sincerity in our actions and our motivation in serving you and others. Amen.
Pastor Kellie