OVERWHELMED BUT NOT OVERTHROWN!

Saturday, February 23, 2019

OVERWHELMED BUT NOT OVERTHROWN!

2 Cor 4:8-9

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

           Everyone has trouble! Some are of our own making, some are Satan’s work, and some are given to us as gifts for our learning and maturity. Paul had “trouble on every side.” He was surrounded but not defeated.

           The language indicates almost desperate circumstances. The idea is that Paul and his company were hemmed in without an escape route. They were tripped up and thrown to the ground but they were able to get up and fight again. Life can sometimes feel like a battle but Paul was not in despair exaporeomai “to be utterly at a loss.”

           Paul knew that God was always near and that rescue was available. He saw resources that were invisible to others – especially to his enemies. He may finish this fight with yet another “Purple Heart” but he would survives to fight again. His most important asset was his faith!

Prov 18:14

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Lord, I don’t always do what is right and much of my distress is self inflicted. I have given you many reasons to stop loving me and to abandon me but you persist in loving and sustaining me. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. AMEN