"Faint Not"

When you look up the word 'Faint' in the Greek, there are two basic meanings or words which describe it; both are very similar, but they speak to different levels of fainting. One speaks of loosing heart, or soul, or courage (ekkakeo); the other speaks of loosing strength, or to grow weary (ekluo). Both of these are things which we do not want to let happen in our walk, and in our service to the Lord; but I think that the first is the worst. Let me tell you why: The second sign of fainting has to do with being discouraged, or exhausted by a trail or tribulation; like to have fatigue due to labor; to be weary. This is the 'Faint' that is used in Hebrews 12:3 & 12:5; "For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him." We know that the Word says not to faint in these type of situations, but yet, many of us do, if only for a short while; and when we do, there is really not to much harm done. We might show a sign of discouragement, or maybe hide under the covers for a day or two; but we really have not caused in any collateral damage. However, this other sign of fainting, now that is a horse of a different color. This is the 'Faint' that is used in 2 Corinthians 4:1, 4:16, and Ephesians 3:13; "Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;" "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory." All of these uses of the word faint, refer to faintheartedness; it is also to grow weary, just as the other faint was; but that one referred to the body growing weary, as by fatigue; this is speaking about our heart growing weary, and our lose of courage. This one can cause collateral damage, because when we grow weary in this way, we can begin to become slothful in our duty to the Lord, and we can begin to lose our courage to share when prompted to share. Both of these faints can be cured through prayer; but 'ekluo' requires us also letting go and letting God; while 'ekkakeo' requires commitment and faith. In 2 Corinthians 4:1, Paul is speaking about how people read our lives, and the great hope we have that is set before us. Just as when Moses came down from the mountain and the children of Israel could not behold his face; there is something which should be glorious about us, and the hope that we before us. This type of glory causes us to never give up, and yet when we do faint in this area, it is because we have lose sight of the glory! "Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:14-18)