Many things might discourage a pastor. A devoted pastor will probably be discouraged by a lack of response to the gospel, a blindness among men to the beauty of Christ, and even slow transformation among professing Christians. If the aim is to present every man complete in Christ, then he may think “Ready. Aim. Fire…me.” A pastor may even be tempted to try other techniques to make something happen. But pastors can be faithful and encouraged without being Calvinists (though that helps) as long as they believe in creation.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4 that he did not lose heart in his ministry, nor did he tamper with God’s Word. He knew that his gospel was veiled to some who had been blinded by the god of this world to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. What he did have was complete confidence in the God who speaks.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Pastor-Christians ought to be encouraged. So ought every Christian. Are you tempted to lose heart? Are you afflicted and perplexed? Is your outer man wasting away? Do you wonder how you are going to finish this salvation race? How you can possibly deal with this sin, that weakness?

Do not lose heart! God who said, “Let there be light” has said it in your heart and will continue to say all that You need for life and godliness. Believe Him. Hold fast to His Word. He has spoken and it was so, every day in the first week and every day for this week.