On not losing heart (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1)

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Trusting in God sometimes feels like an act of will. I want trust to be easy. I want to relax into God’s protective shelter. But when our outer nature is wasting away and our momentary afflictions are grasping our attention with vigor, it’s hard work to remember that we are part of something bigger, much bigger, than ourselves. It takes effort to direct our thoughts and awareness toward an invisible inner renewal taking place—and to trust in the power of God to guide us.