2 Corinthians 4 was exactly what I needed to read and study today! Paul was speaking of the confidence that they had in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that, even though some refused to listen, understand and receive, they continued to do the right thing! He was speaking of sharing the Gospel, but this same attitude should be in every believer today, regarding any and every area of life! Let's look at verses 1-2:
1 Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion. 2 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience.
Those without Jesus in the world sometimes cannot help operating in disgraceful ways that involve deceit, underhandedness, shameful talk, trickery, dishonesty and cunning craftiness! Without the New Birth, these things are in their nature. Look at verses 3-4:
3 But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost. 4 For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers’ minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.
Those without Jesus CANNOT receive and understand the Wisdom of God that comes through His Word. Those who are born again, but who do not follow on to KNOW the Word, through the teaching of Holy Spirit Who lives IN us, will also NOT be able to comprehend the Wisdom of God and many of them will argue with you for the right to continue to believe the lies of the enemy! Sad, but true, and the ONLY thing that WE can do is to pray that the eyes of their understanding will be enlightened to realize that there is MUCH more that they have yet to learn. Be encouraged by verse 7:
7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
Now encourage YOURSELF in the Lord, as David did, and EXPECT that your prayers will work on their behalf! Use these same principles when you run into people who refuse to hear the Truth concerning natural things, also! Refuse to be discouraged. Refuse to get OUT of love. Refuse to be intimidated! Make every decision after prayer and communion with the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, and then stick to your guns with confidence that your obedience will result in your protection, provision and safety in every circumstance, as well as rewards in Heaven that are to come! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with one of my favorite songs concerning prayer. "Desert Song":
Shalom in Him!
