We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NKJV)
Apostle Paul experienced great suffering, persecution, and opposition in his ministry. He even struggled with his personal weakness — a thorn in the flesh. But through those struggles and difficulties, Paul affirmed God’s faithfulness. This implies that all believers of Christ will get hit by troubles of life. But notice the word “but”, which is stated four times in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; that through those sufferings, we will also experience God’s power and His rescue will keep us going. Also, Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous. But the Lord delivers (rescues) him out of them all.”
Paul reminds us though we may think that we are at the end of the rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Apostle Paul had a better perspective; instead of focusing on the blows and punches of the enemy, what he saw was a blessing in the midst of difficulties.
So be it in us, may this time of pandemic become God’s environment to manifest His great power in our difficulties. And let us be reminded that nothing touches us apart from the sovereign permission of the Lord.
God bless us.
In Christ,
Ptr. Obeth G. Mendoza
