Faith That Does Not Lose Heart




Reflections on Genesis 32:22–31 • Psalm 121 • 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 • Luke 18:1–8

A Synod of Hope and Encouragement

This past weekend, the 148th Synod of the Diocese of Quincy gathered under the theme, “Your labor is not in vain.” It was a moment of renewal — not just of business or reports, but of shared faith and encouragement.

Under the wise and pastoral leadership of our bishop, we were reminded that faithful ministry is never wasted. Every act of prayer, service, and love — even when unseen or unrecognized — has its place in the work of God’s Kingdom.

The bishop spoke words that many of us needed to hear:

“Do not measure your ministry by numbers or applause, but by faithfulness. The Lord sees every hidden act of love and will bring forth fruit in His time.”

Those words echo beautifully in the Gospel reading for this Sunday — the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18.

The Gospel: A Faith That Refuses to Give Up

Jesus tells a simple story about a widow who will not quit. She keeps coming before an unjust judge, pleading for justice. She has no power, no influence, no protector — and yet she refuses to lose heart.

Finally, the judge gives in — not because he’s good, but because she wears him down.

Jesus then makes His point:

“Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones who cry to Him day and night?”

If persistence can move the heart of an unjust judge, how much more will prayer move the heart of a loving and faithful God?

This is what faith looks like — not perfection, not certainty, but holy persistence.
Faith that keeps praying.
Faith that keeps serving.
Faith that keeps believing that God is working, even when we cannot yet see the fruit.

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

That is the question Jesus leaves us with — not to discourage us, but to invite us into the kind of faith that does not lose heart.

Jacob’s Long Night (Genesis 32:22–31)

Jacob knew what it meant to wrestle through the night. He faced his fears, his past, and even the mysterious presence of God. All night he wrestled, refusing to let go until he received a blessing.

Jacob limped away from that encounter — wounded, yes, but also blessed.
Faith sometimes leaves us with a limp, but it also leaves us changed.

Like Jacob, the widow in Jesus’ story clung to hope until the blessing came.

The Psalmist’s Song of Trust (Psalm 121)

The psalmist sings, “I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come?”
It’s a question we’ve all asked in ministry, in hardship, in prayer.

The answer is clear:

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

God never slumbers. He does not forget the labor of His servants.
When our energy fades and the way feels long, Psalm 121 reminds us: He is still keeping watch.

Paul’s Word to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:14–4:5)

Paul writes to Timothy:

“Continue in what you have learned… be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable.”

Paul’s charge could have been spoken directly to our clergy and lay leaders this weekend.
He tells Timothy — and us — to stand firm, to keep proclaiming the Word, to keep doing the work of ministry even when results seem small.

This is what it means to live out the Synod’s theme:
Your labor is not in vain.

The Thread That Binds It All

When we hold these readings together, a single thread runs through:

  • Jacob wrestles until the dawn.
  • The psalmist looks up and trusts in God’s keeping.
  • Timothy is called to persevere in the Word.
  • The widow prays without losing heart.

And through them all, the bishop’s voice still echoes:

“Be steadfast. Stay faithful. The Lord honors every labor of love.”

For Us Today

The Church today faces its own long nights — declining numbers, cultural resistance, fatigue, and discouragement. But Christ calls us to the kind of faith that endures — the faith of the persistent widow, the faith of Jacob, the faith that looks to the hills and says, “My help comes from the Lord.”

So, keep praying.
Keep serving.
Keep showing up in love.
For the God who called you is faithful.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

Closing Prayer

Lord, teach us to pray and not lose heart.
Strengthen every weary servant, bless every quiet act of love,
and remind us that in You, no labor is ever wasted. Amen.


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