This one is from gsiano from daily dose, thanks!!!
II Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Paul is encouraging believers to not lose heart and reminding us all, that we have the treasure of Christ living in us, but we serve Him in clay-like vessels that can easily be broken at any point and time. He is reminding all of us that even though our current circumstances may make it appear like we are losing the battle, that in Christ the battle is already won!
In the verses 1-7, Paul reminds us all that we simply present the truth of Christ to a lost and dying world that is blinded by Satan, the god of this world, and then we allow the power of God to save and heal. In this way, we decrease, and God increases.
“1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
While you may currently be going through a great time of despair, as we all will at times, do not allow the enemy to make you think that God does not love or care about you. As we are aware, God loved David very much, but read Psalm 88 and see if you think David was feeling God’s love when he penned this one! Now read Psalm 89 and you will see David singing a totally different tune! “I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself”.
It will be the same for each of us, as the Lord’s mercy is a fresh and new every morning Lamentations 3:22-24.What currently may be a painful season, will always give birth to something new and wonderful spiritually, if we will simply seek and trust Him with all of our heart and not lean on our own understanding Proverbs 3:5. And while His compassion and mercy is not based upon anything we do, He is pleased when we hold fast to our faith, persevere and endure during the tough times!
James 1:12 1 Peter 2:20
Lord, please draw us all closer to You. Help us to run to You in times of trouble and learn to rely on Your faithfulness to us. Help us to truly believe that the plans You have for us are not to harm us, but to prosper us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
6 comments:
This sorta reminds me of Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Imagine if we (mainly thinking of myself here) could actually live this out!!!! What if we could have unwavering faith? Faith like Mabel in the convalescent hospital I have mentioned before.
Father, give us all the desire to increase You and decrease ourselves.
cas
This text is so important as it is a strong description of what is a true benefit of Christ in our lives here on earth. I must say my reaction though today is to give him thanks for the blessings I have than to ask his help and protection in rough times. Tomorrow I may feel differently, but today he deserves thanks.
This reminds me that He is with us throughout all of our times. He will never leave us or forsake us. Time flies, and one day we will be with Him and see His purposes in all these tough times.
g
PS Pray for my dad who is back in the hospital. He's 81. He had a stroke 3 years ago that left him unable to speak coherently. And just last month he fell and broke 3 ribs.
You got it, he is in my prayers
How cool is it that we have a God that cares enough to be patient with us and guide us into whatever situation we're going through! Gary, I just offered up a prayer for your dad. Great seeing you yesterday!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Your father is in my prayers.
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