Today's readings are Zechariah 11.4-17 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Zech.+11.4-17 ) and 2 Timothy 4.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Tim.+4.1-18 ).
Every day we live in this sinful world we are surrounded by temptation. Sometimes our temptation is to take glory for ourselves, proclaim our own righteousness, exult in the creation rather than the creator. But probably more often the temptation is to give up in our efforts to be steadfast, responsible, and wise. When we deal with opposition and apparent failure it is easy to want to give up.
Let's look at the example we see in the apostle Paul today. When writing to Timothy he is feeling old. He's been engaged in Christian work through many times of persecutions. He has gone here and there, sometimes seeing the Gospel received eagerly and sometimes seeing the Gospel rejected, along with himself and his companions. They have been rejected, beaten, driven from city after city, and seen all too many situations where the work of the ministry has been disparaged. What reaction does this saint have? He does not give up. He realizes he is near the end of his life but he is ready to push on, doing what remains for him to do.
Are there times when we are discouraged? Certainly. There were doubtless many times when Paul was discouraged in his work. May our response to such discouragement be like the response of the apostle - we take a deep breath, recover ourselves, and continue doing what our Lord has called us to. There are flocks all around us, in need of good shepherding. May we remain steadfast in the work our Lord has given us.
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