“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
I believe this is my favorite verse by far! It lists the troubled state of various human circumstances; from the nagging feeling of being troubled, to the state of being cast down. It helps us to remember we are not our circumstances. But, just in case you need a reminder:
If you are feeling troubled on every side, Jesus offers you faith, understanding that nothing can harm you, or hinder your life without God offering you a way out. You are not distressed, fearful, or weary. You feel strong with the confidence of knowing your heavenly Father is only a prayer away.
Or, maybe you are feeling a little perplexed. That nagging feeling of confusion when you believe something should have one outcome, but somehow it goes in a completely different direction than the one you prepared or prayed for. Nevertheless, you regroup, retrain, and prepare for a new strategy so you can achieve the desired outcome. You are calm. You are neither desperate or in despair. You have no fear. God has your back; of this, you are certain. Despair is for those who do not know God; those who have no concept of hope, faith, or trust in our Savior.
Maybe you are the one in this group who is feeling a bit persecuted by those in your surroundings. Your friends have forsaken you, your colleagues are against you, and your family is just not giving you what you need to soar to the top. You feel lonely and persecuted. But, you know God has not forsaken you. Your hope is in His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when everything and everyone else fails.
And, for those of you who are on the verge of feeling completely cast down, or feel as if you have been left on the ground to be trampled and stoned; remember, what does not take your life, will only make you stronger. Like a prize fighter training for the heavyweight championship, you may fall down during a bout, but the floor is not where the fight is. Go back to your prayer corner, replenish yourself, refresh with the Word of God, and go right back in there and finish the fight; you will not be destroyed! As a matter of fact; your opponents were fortunate the first time. The first time you were not prepared; you did not know they were going to cheat—hurting you in your most vulnerable spot. You mistakenly thought they would have compassion. This time you know; you are ready for anything! And more importantly, you understand that no one; no entity, no power or principality can take from you what God has already ordained for your life! Yes, cast down; but, definitely not destroyed! L.
Study Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 4:6-16
From: "Cast Down, But Not Destroyed." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: cloudfront
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