The Brooklyn Bridge that connects New York with Long Island was built over a period of 13 years, from 1870 to 1883. It was the brain child of John Roebling. At the time, no one thought it could be done. He was able to convince his son, Washington, to co-engineer the project. With great opposition, they hired a crew and began the work. A few months into the project, there was an accident that killed John Roebling and another left Washington unable to talk or walk. As they were the only ones that knew the plans, the project stopped. The naysayers thought they were vindicated in their doubts. However, Washington developed a system of communication with his wife. By tapping his finger, the only thing he could move, on her arm he gave instructions on how to finish the project. On the first day the bridge was opened, 1,800 vehicles and 150,300 people passed over the bridge, and 132 years later it still stands.
Twice in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 we read this statement, “We do not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1, 16). Paul uses this phrase as bookends to a particularly difficult task, sharing the pure gospel in the face of opposition and persecution. At the end of chapter 3, Paul mentions that, “We all…are being transformed into the same image [of the Lord].” He then begins chapter 4, “Therefore, since we have received this ministry.” That ministry or service is helping other people be conformed to the image of Christ through the teaching of the gospel. Paul stresses the fact that those who do so are nothing but “bondservants” and “earthen vessels.” He also stresses the majesty of the message. Read what he has to say about the challenge. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:7-12). Paul was so confident in the resurrection of Christ that he knew that he would rise also (2 Cor. 4:14). Paul and the early church had great opposition. Our only opposition is self and fear. Surrender those things to God, and do not lose heart. Roebling had every reason to give up. His wife could have said, “Curse God and die!” But, he did not lose heart. With great determination, he and his wife were able to build what was said could not be done. We are not building a bridge. We are telling people how to cross the bridge that Christ built with His death and resurrection.