“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
 When I look back on my life and my suffering, I realize that I was perplexed, hard-pressed, cast down, and persecuted. But Perplexed is the number one word. I didn’t understand why I was going through so much. But when I look back I realize that He was always with me, never left me and ensured me: Son, I love you. Never give up. And so that word is for you. Whatever suffering you’re going through, it is so easy to fall into one of two habits. The first is despair and self-pity. The second, which is just as harmful, is denial called positivity. Now, I think it’s good to be positive most of the time. I’m one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet. But when you go through tragedy and you shrug it off as though it doesn’t happen or it’s no problem, that will put you out of touch with your spirit, your emotions, and other people. So what does the scripture call us to do? Do what Paul did. You call it what it is: I’m perplexed, pressed, and struck down. You call death what it is: a death. You call tragedy what it is: a tragedy. But when you assign ‘death’ to something, you also assign new life, resurrection, and hope. God loves you, He has not abandoned you and He has a plan. He will endure. Keep hope alive. He can turn any tragedy into victory. |
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you loving me and never leaving me. Help me to not fall into despair or denial. Please turn my tragedies into victories.
Reflection
Do you tend to fall into the habit of despair or denial?
One Response
Thank you for this message!