Heart Failure

During these days of the Covid-19 virus pandemic people are discouraged.  You have probably heard the words that are used to try to reassure people such as, “We’ll get through this”, “You’ll get through this” or “We’re all in this together.”  These words have been uttered in texts, in telephone conversations, on the internet, and on television.  The intent of these statements is that although everyone is going through things such as isolation, personal distancing, handwashing and staying in place – this will end – hopefully in the near future.

Since the pandemic is discouraging to so many people, let’s take time to look more closely at the word “discourage” and see what we can learn by dividing the word into two parts.  “Dis” is the first part of the word which has to do with failure.  The second part of the word – “courage” – points to the heart.  So, to be discouraged literally means to have heart failure.  When we get discouraged our motivation is either taken away from us or set aside because we lose our source of power.  To handle discouragement people need to get back to their source of power.  Of course, the Scripture points out that our real source of power is God, Himself.  II Peter 1:3 says, “His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Examining this verse more closely, you will notice several aspects of power.  (1) First, the power mentioned is God’s divine power.  He is the source of the power we need and of course, His power is much greater than any other power available to us.  (2) Second, God’s divine power has been given to us.  The "us" refers to people who are committed to God through a personal relationship – a life-sharing union with Him.  They are the recipients of His divine power.  (3) Third, God's divine power is complete and adequate.   His power does not simply provide a few things for us to enjoy, but gives us God's abundance - everything we need.  (4) Fourth, the divine power that God gives to us is to be utilized in daily living.  As we learn more about God – who He is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in our lives – we can rely on His strength each day.

Everyone needs God’s divine power.  You need it and I need it.  Ephesians 3:16 reminds us that God, “out of his glorious riches … strengthen(s) us with power through his Spirit.”  When we take time to accept God’s invitation to have a personal relationship with Him, we will possess His power which is at work in us.  Ephesians 3:20 explains it this way, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God's power is an active power that can be displayed in our lives every day.  How will we get through this Covid-19 pandemic?  The answer is by relying on God’s divine power.  What a great encouragement this is to help us get us out of the doldrums of discouragement and make a difference in our world for the cause of Christ.  However, remember that we need God’s help to get our hearts on the right track so we can get through the Covid-19 difficulty.  Having God’s power reign in our lives is crucial for us to live the way He wants us to live. Why not turn from your "heart failure" – your discouragement – to God and let Him give you joyful encouragement?