”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 4:8-9New International Version (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, the apostle Paul revealed that they were “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed“. Indeed, he testified that God comforted and saved them in all their afflictions as he and his companions ministered in Asia (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).
Paul’s afflictions
Paul also added that he didn’t visit them for the second time as he had planned so that he wouldn’t cause them pain (2 Corinthians 1:15-2:2). He wrote to them out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, so as not to cause them pain, but to let them know the abundant love that he had for them (2 Corinthians 2:3-4) and have them forgive the cause of pain (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). And he, finally, informed them that he didn’t preach in Troas because he didn’t find Titus there, a thing which made him not have peace of mind (2 Corinthians 2:12-13).
Paul’s thankfulness and hope
Nevertheless, Paul was thankful because God led them in sufficiently ministering the new covenant, which is of the Spirit who gives life (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). God, therefore, made their ministry of righteousness to be more glorious than that of Moses (2 Corinthians 3:7-11).
Therefore, their hope in the glory of the ministry of the Spirit, which is permanent, emboldened them (2 Corinthians 3:12-15). Because when one turned to Jesus, they became free, and He transformed them from one glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Paul didn’t lose his heart
Further, they didn’t lose heart in their ministry which was by God’s mercy (2 Corinthians 4:1). They even renounced manipulation in their ministry (2 Corinthians 4:2).
Above all, their bodies showed God’s surpassing power because their affliction never crushed, made them despair, made them feel forsaken, or destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:7-9). They accepted the fact that their bodies always carried the death of Jesus, such that He manifested the same (2 Corinthians 4:10-11).
Don’t lose heart
No wonder Paul declared the words of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. I too want to declare the same words to you, that in as much as you may be hard pressed, perplexed (confused), persecuted, or struck (knocked) down, you will definitely not be crushed, made to despair, made to feel forsaken or destroyed.
As a Christian, you never journey/live, or fight from a disadvantaged position. You journey/live and fight from an advantaged position.
Christ grants and assures you of an advantage in the journey and battles of life. He has already made you operate from a point of victory, not defeat.
Opportunities for God’s surpassing power to manifest
Therefore, the challenges you face are opportunities for God’s surpassing power (and mercies), to manifest in your life. I mean, how can you and I experience God’s power and might if not during times of afflictions (challenges)?
Actually, you will face oppression in diverse ways for as long as you live. It may be physical, mental, or even faith-based. Or the people you love or treasure could be the ones undergoing oppression.
Also remember, we have an enemy who specializes in evil/wicked schemes (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus profiled him as a thief, killer, and destroyer (John 10:10). And we may find ourselves oppressed for Christ’s sake.
But fortunately, for us who are in Christ, we are not crushed, despaired, abandoned, or destroyed. This is because Christ is greater than any oppression or oppressor (1 John 4:4). He was oppressed to death, but He overcame the same when He was resurrected.
In addition, no oppression or oppressor “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ” (Romans 8:39). For His love will keep you. And His presence will be with you through any and all forms of oppression.
Prayer/Blessing
May you take up your rightful, advantaged position even as you journey and battle to your destiny. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Hebrews 1-4 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
