Pressed But Not Defeated!

Scripture :

“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; 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.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–10

Devotion :

Life can provide the continuous raging battlefield. This is what Paul discerned perfectly. He was pursued by his enemies; trials battered him-a lot of times he was mistakenly accused. Through it all, Paul refused to consider himself a victim, for his hope rested in Christ.

These words of Paul tell us even in troubles there is no abandonment. We may be beset on all sides, yet we are not crushed by the peace of God. At times, being perplexed about the happenings, we should never come to despair, for God's purposes are still working.

Persecuted but not forsaken means that whoever may turn against us, the Lord stands with us. And we, though laid low and knocked down by blows, we are yet not destroyed; for the power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us.

Our suffering becomes the arena for His glory. As we suffer, the life of Jesus increasingly comes forth through us: His strength in our weakness, His peace through our storms, and His hope during the darkest hours of life. There is a victory in trouble, not win of trouble; it is the presence of God in the midst of the trouble.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for sustaining me in every trial. When I feel pressed, perplexed, or cast down, remind me that I am never abandoned. Let the life of Jesus shine through my hardships so that others may see Your power in my weakness. Keep me standing until the day You call me home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.