“Castdown, But Not Crushed”
Thursday, June 13, 2024Key Verse
“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” (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9).
Text — 2 Corinthians 4:8-18
Message
Looking at the experiences people go through, including ours, we can say that life is not a bed of roses. However, Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” In our text, Paul also described the sufferings he and his co-workers went through during their outreaches. Indeed, they had it tough, but he affirmed that, through it all, they were not “crushed.” The remedy for them, however, was firstly, their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13). Secondly, their hope that there would be great eternal rewards awaiting anyone who would continuously “look unto Jesus,” no matter the situation.
Today, Christian youths also have their share of challenges such as persecution, bereavement, sickness, and academic failure. Sometimes, these challenges come from school, place of work, and family members. All these make one to feel cast down but nevertheless, our confidence should be in God’s promise that He will not leave us nor forsake us.
Quote
Our anchor holds in the storms of life.
Challenge
No matter what you are going through, God is in control.
Prayer for today
Heavenly Father, help me to have faith to overcome challenges.