“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)
Today’s verses sound a little like a coach’s half-time speech to a team that’s getting beaten badly but still has a chance to win if they can turn things around. Paul’s point is exactly the opposite.
He just finished saying we have God’s treasure in our human clay jars to show how powerful he is. The point isn’t that we’re tough enough to take a beating and bounce back. The point is that a clay jar that has been pressed on every side should be broken. Instead – because of the powerful treasure in us – we’re still in play.
The power of God in a Christian’s life will not keep us from experiencing terrible things; it will keep those terrible things from destroying us. It takes his kind of power to do that.
Think: Do you know any Christians who have experienced some terrible things that should have destroyed them? Who do they give the credit to for keeping them going?
Pray: Thank God that his power in you is strong enough to get you through the worst circumstances in life.
Do: Notice this week how your Christian friends or family talk about hard times and God’s power.