2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
Life may knock us down, but it has not knocked us out. Paul reminds us that quitting is not an option for the people of God, regardless of what is thrown at us or what we might have to endure or suffer for the sake of Christ. Discouragement. Rejection. Torment. I don’t know of anyone who enjoys those things. We want to be accepted, encouraged, and valued, at least by those in our circle. And when we are not, it should lead to a time of reflection. Why am I facing rejection from the people around me? It may just be because we are not a very nice person, and we need to change. And if that is the case, by all means, work at being a better person. But it might also be because we are faithful to God’s calling in our life. And if that is the case we need to resist the temptation to change to become more acceptable to the people around us. Few of us like to be outcasts, and the temptation is great to do what it takes to fit in. But it is far better to follow Paul’s example here. Paul had some who supported and encouraged him. But there were also many others who fiercely opposed him. But through it all, he remained faithful. When he was hard-pressed on every side, he was not crushed. And why not? Because he knew whom he had believed, and was convinced that God was able to guard what was entrusted to him until the end. And that should be our attitude as well. Don’t be discouraged by the rejection of others. Put your trust in the Lord, knowing he will guard your soul until the end. But in Christ, Paul reminds us that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world, and although we may be afflicted in every way, we are not crushed, for the Lord is our life and our strength. And although we may be perplexed by all the difficulties we are called upon to face for His sake, we will not despair for His grace is sufficient, and His life-giving strength is perfected in our weaknesses. People of God, do not lose heart. Even though the struggle is real and may appear hard at times, remember, our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. Knocked down, but not knocked out! With Jesus on our side, we are gonna make it!!!
Father thank You for this day and the amazing mercy and grace it holds for us. Lord open the windows of heaven and shine down your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord although there are many things that are happening in our lives that we do not understand, we thank You that You are in control and that the eternal Spirit is resident within our mortal body. Lord we are so thankful that although we may be afflicted and perplexed, we will not be crushed to despair because we know that in You the victory is already won. Lord use my friend to be a living bold epistle of Your Word to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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