Do Not Get Discouraged

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

It seems everywhere you look, people are getting discouraged. Preacher are preaching to nearly empty buildings. The member are suffering. Just look at the gas prices and baby formula shortage. At times we all stop and think, God where are you at? When are you going to help us? I had this same feelings. I wonder when God is going to intervene on behalf of his people. Then yesterday I watched my kids play. I watched as my youngest crawled and my four year old tear through the yard with what seemed like unlimited energy. I began to remember when the four-year old was unable to be laid on his stomach over just having heart surgery. I remembered that before him being told we would never have children. I remembered setting down with my wife and crying because our cabinets were bare. Instead of standing there in discouragement I began to thank God. You see I realized that even though times are hard and it  seems there is no end in sight, God is still there. When you look at the world and all its trouble you be discouraged. However, if you keep your eyes on Jesus you will see he is with you through these hard times. I promise that if you keep your eyes on him, you will never be discouraged.