Ecc_9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
We are to give effort to the opportunities that God in His providence provides for us. This echoes Jesus admonition to work while it is day. We are to give diligent effort to the affairs of this life, and especially to the work of the kingdom of God. Discouraging times can cause us to slack in our efforts, but we need reminded to stay diligent in the affairs of this life while we have opportunity. We only have this life to accomplish these things, and most importantly, we only have this life to accomplish the things which pertain to the kingdom of God.