Five Reasons Why Losing Heart is Not An Option by Rita Schulte

Romancing the Stone”, “Mission Impossible”, and “James Bond” are among my favorite action movies. The most noticeable thing in all of these films is that the hero is facing insurmountable odds while searching and fighting for a priceless treasure.

Our movie characters aren’t so different from us. We may not be fighting for billions in gold or priceless buried treasure, but our treasure is just as important. It may be a prayer for an unsaved spouse, freedom from a health issue, or a wayward child. Whatever it might be, it can certainly feel insurmountable and cause us to lose heart in the battle.

In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul talks about treasure—a different kind of treasure. He goes on to explain why losing heart is not an option. And instead of our having to search for it, Paul tells us where it’s hidden: in jars of clay (us).

What is the treasure? It’s Christ in us, the hope of glory, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

What does that have to do with the problem of losing heart? Plenty, and if we look at verses 8-9 we’ll see it. In these verses Paul tells us what we can expect as we face the trials of life: he says we’ll be hard-pressed, crushed, and struck down. He really gets it.

But then in verse 16, he seemingly kills the moment by saying that we shouldn’t lose heart! He says our trials are only light and momentary afflictions. Really? This from the guy who was beaten, shipwrecked, and flogged? How could he say this? Because he knew a few secrets about “the treasure” that are key to not losing heart. Consider this:

• The treasure is worth the fight

Paul knew an abiding relationship with Christ would bear the fruit of wisdom and knowledge, equipping us for the battle. No treasure is more valuable or more worth fighting for.

• Grace is only for today

Believers will always face hardships. We are under a death system (law). But no life can spring forth without death (trials) and will always reveal resurrection power.

• We must change our perspective

Don’t deny your circumstances, but look for ways to speak life into them.

• Renew the mind daily

Our outer man is decaying, but our inner man is to be experiencing daily renewal through the washing of the Word in our hearts. Be intentional about setting your mind on the truth and seeking God with all your heart.

• Focus on eternal glory

If we focus on what is seen, it will be easy to lose heart. Set your mind instead on what is unseen and imperishable.

Digging for treasure isn’t something we should leave to action heroes. It’s something we can practice daily by following the steps outlined here. They will help us to dive deep, making losing heart seem like a mission impossible.

What keeps you from losing heart in your writing journey? How do you keep your focus?

Rita A. Schulte is a licensed professional counselor in the Northern Virginia/DC area. She is the host of Heartline Podcast and Consider This. Her shows can be heard on 90.9FM in Lynchburg, Va. and 90.5 FM in NC, and on BlogTalk Radio, and soon to launch Women’s Radio Network.

Rita writes for numerous publications and blogs. Her articles have appeared in Counseling Today Magazine, Thriving Family Magazine, Kyria and Living Better at 50. Her book on moving through the losses of life will be released in 2013. Follow her at www.ritaschulte.com, on FB at http://www.facebook.com/RitaASchulte and twitter @heartlinepod. Her blog, Life Talk Today is www.ritaschulte.com/blog.

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