2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Sometimes it feels as though life is too much of a struggle. This reminder from Paul is that there is hope in every situation.

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The Context

The apostle Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Yet even in his bonds, he took the time to write letters to shore up the churches that he had left behind.

2 Corinthians chapter 4 is a message of hope to all believers, It also highlights the need to press, on even in the midst of great challenges and physical danger.

Digging In

Paul said we are pressed on every side by troubles. As we walk with Christ, there are times when we feel that we can’t go on. It seems as though all around us there is only distress, danger and despair.

We are confused by events that happen. Why do these things happen to us? Why are these things happening in the world?

We are hunted down – as we live out the end days, the Christian becomes more and more of an oddity. Our firm belief in Christ sets us apart from society.

Too many times we hear stories of people who are persecuted and killed because of their faith and we wonder if we will be next…

We get knocked down time after time. The Christian walk is not a smooth one. It is filled with highs and lows. In a lot of ways, it’s like a baby learning to walk … there’s a lot of stumbling… A lot of falling down and hurt tushies…A lot of wailing and crying. But…

How It Applies to Us

In spite of our troubles, we are not crushed. We may be a little bruised but we’re still alive… still able to tell the stories of how God has taken us through our trials.

We may be confused by the events that happen around us, but we are not without hope. Our hope is in Christ. We know that our lives are in the hands of elohim – the God who stooped down and formed us with His hands. His hands are always on us.

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Our Christian brethren are being killed but God has not abandoned us…. those who are faithful to the end will receive their reward (Isaiah 40:10, James 1:12).

We get knocked down and yes there will be some pain. But if we remember that we are not defeated, we are not destroyed … we will get up again. We take comfort in the thought that though the righteous man may fall 7 times, he will rise again (Proverbs 24:16).

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