BUT NOT DESTROYED

 

Monday, January 16, 2023

BUT NOT DESTROYED

2 Cor 4:7-10

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

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;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

 

          The original language in verses 8 and 9 are very interesting. The word “troubled” means “to be crowded” and the word “distressed” means “to be hemmed in.” At first glance, there would seem to be little difference in comparison but to the one who is feeling these things there is a vast difference. The one suggests a struggle and the other suggests a defeat.

          The same is true for the words “persecuted” but not “forsaken” and “cast down, but not destroyed.” The pairing of these words is from Greek wrestling. We may be slammed to the floor, but we have not been pinned. We are still in the game.

          It has been a tough week. The horror of a near death of a loved one and the passing of a dear friend has crowded me, but I’m not distressed. I am still in the game.

          Church was so very refreshing. As the worship washed over me, I could not always join the singing but simply listened with closed and moistened eyes. The fellowship of dear friends always energizes me. You should try it.

1 Cor 10:13

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.                             

Dear Lord, You have brought me through another difficult week. Stay close by me this week as well. AMEN