Our pattern

—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. – 2 Corinthians 4.10-12

So why do we not lose heart? Why do we not just lay on the mat when we are beaten? Why do we not just give in? 

Jesus didn’t quit. His obedience, even to the cross, was unabated. His death is our example. His body in an irrefutable fact that we can't deny. He was broken, but could not be beaten. It goes even further. He was dead, but. He rose again. 

Death is already at work, but we always strive the 'manifest the life of Christ' in our mortal flesh. Paul knew that they were likely to die for Christ, but he saw it a worthwhile if it his ministry would help those believers in Corinth. 

We must ask ourselves if the life of Christ is being manifest in our bodies. Do people see us and own own goals and desires and frets and concerns or do they see the life of Christ shining through? 

If we are living for Christ and remembering His example we won't quit. He went to death for us. Surely we can plod on through for Him.