I love the language of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. We are pressed from every angle with the demands of work, family, home and church, but we are not crushed. Nothing can be a crushing blow when we have Christ within us.

Perplexed, but not in despair. We may be confused, frustrated or angry about our lives, but we should never let that angst turn into despair, tempting us to give up on God, on ourselves or on others. We cannot throw in the towel shen God is fighting for us.

Persecuted, but not abandoned. For the early Christians in Corinth, persecution was a real threat. Suffering is a given for Christians in this world. Sin and the devil will make sure of that! But we will never be left alone to fend for ourselves. The Triune God loves us and comforts us in every struggle. Our God will never go away.

Struck down but not destroyed. We may be struck down by illness, a harsh word or rejection. We will be knocked down, but we will never be obliterated. Isaiah tells us that God will not snuff out even a dimly burning wick. Christ destroyed the powers of death, sin and the devil through his life, death and resurrection. He will never destroy us.
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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,