Take heart

I was encouraged this week by Jesus' words in John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

I definitely have felt the need to "take heart" lately.  2 Cor. 4:16 talks about not losing heart as well, reading, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."  I feel my outer self being tired, lately very discouraged and drained.  But what hope--our inner self is renewed.  How? 

Here I looked at Hebrews 12:1-3, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."  The NIV uses "lose heart" instead of fainthearted. 

My prayer request is definitely for not losing heart, and for living out my faith in Jesus with endurance. (Ha ha, I just realized that it's Valentine's this week...appropriate for chatting about hearts.)