2 Cor. 4:1-10 is an amazing passage where Paul speaks encouragingly and gives hope in the midst of seeming hopelessness.
We are hard pressed on every side, but we are not crushed. Life is life, no matter where you go – you will be pressed on from all angles with all kinds of emotions, circumstances and pressure. Finances. Sickness. Broken relationships. Accidents. Failure in sin and in your walk wIth God. John 10:10 says “The enemy comes to rob, steal and destroy.” But the Lord says, “I have come to give you an abundant life!” The enemy wants to crush us so that we will give up on our passion; to set it aside and no longer pursue it. We need a divine resolve within us to pursue Him. No matter what takes place, we are going for it. Still pushing forward, still believing. The enemy’s plan for us is to get us off the pathway of love, sharing and forgiving. Don’t lose heart…sink your teeth into the passion you have been called into. (vs 8)
We are perplexed but not in despair. It is hard when we can’t connect with God in the midst of the struggle. We ask why and don’t hear a response. But we can’t despair. (vs 8)
We are persecuted but not forsaken. Persecution is the pressure from other people toward you. Sometimes it comes from those closest to you. The lie is when we think God has forsaken us. In His word He has clearly said He would never leave us! When the enemy can get into the place where you feel forsaken, he can traffic in that area. He wants us to feel fear and move away from love and feel mistreated. When we respond in love, even though we might not feel like it in the midst of the situation, it is like heaping fiery coals on the persons head. When man’s favor lifts from you, it does not mean God’s favor has been lifted. When we feel forsaken it is easy to lose sight of Gods love for us and become fearful. (vs 9)
We are struck down but not destroyed. This speaks of major setbacks in your life. This is suffering, and it alters everything. Divorce, loss of a loved one, abuse, financial calamity, natural disasters… The enemy says that these kinds of devastations will keep you from fulfilling your destiny. That’s a lie. Yes, it hurts, it’s rough, but Paul says, we are struck down it we are not destroyed. The power of the cross and the spirit that lived within him and an eternal perspective caused him to know that there is something bigger than… so don’t lose heart. John 16:33, Jesus says, I have overcome the world! Take heart! We respond by faith, no matter what pressures.
In 2 Cor 4:12-18, Paul had faith to speak a bold proclamation of who he was in Christ. You can respond to any circumstance in your life based on who you are in Jesus and who He is in you. I know there are storms coming, but I also know the sun is shining. Listen, there is no one you can fully trust other than Jesus Christ.
Know the truth and the truth will set you free. Our lives will become a pathway to a kingdom culture destination because of love. If we love, share and refuge, it is a proven pathway for His kingdom to advance. It is our destination with God to walk that out. If you live your life with a passion for Jesus, it will wage war against any sinful areas of your life.
Sunday morning thoughts from Bob Deering’s message.