and discouragement. Paul experienced this firsthand when both Demas and Demetrius abandoned and betrayed him( 2 Timothy 4, Acts 19). It was Charles Spurgeon who observed that to be in ministry we must have a tough hide and a tender heart. What is the key to handling disappointments and dealing with difficult people?
“ Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart”( 2 Corinthians 4:1). Notice how Paul described his ministry“ by the mercy of God.” So many today would describe their ministry by saying,“ I don’ t deserve this,” or“ I should be treated better.” Do you view the ministry you have been given through the lens of other people or by the mercy of God? When our perspective is that it is God’ s mercy alone that allows us to fulfill our ministry, it will guard us from the hurts, offenses, and disappointments by other people. Paul said it best,“ We do not lose heart.”
Our Greatest Need
Hudson Taylor noted that there are three stages in every great work of God. First, it is impossible. Then it is difficult. Then it is done. In other words, ministry is not easy. If we are going to serve with longevity, there are two great needs we must recognize: the need for encouragement and the need for endurance. They truly go hand in hand. Where we so often get in trouble is when we forget where the source of endurance and encouragement comes from. If you are anything like me, I try to get these from other people. Even worse, if I am not careful, I try to find these things within myself. God said in Jeremiah
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