[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Hard pressed but not crushed

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Meditation verse:

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

It has been a period of intense stretching for me. I have found myself dealing with all kinds of frightening attacks from the enemy. From attacks on my health, to my relationships and my mindset. I have had to deal with accusations, misunderstandings, betrayals, and unfriendly attitudes. The pressure has left me drained and emotionally wounded. As I pondered on what I was going through, today’s bible reading was impressed in my heart.

If you are going through a similar situation, God’s word offers you hope and encouragement today. Psalm 30:5 says “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal”. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, “therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”. 2 Corinthians 4: 7-10 says “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 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— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

What do these bible verses imply?

Firstly, that which you are going through is only for a season. It will surely come to an end and your season of joy will commence. Secondly, it is working out for your good. There is a future glory that awaits you if you do not give up. God specializes in turning around for good, what the enemy destined for evil.

Thirdly, there is a treasure inside of you; it is the excellence of God’s power and grace. There is help available for you. You do not have to navigate this on your own, you, do not have to depend on your own power. Draw strength from God’s power that is inside of you. Lean in and look up to God for help.

Lastly, Ecclesiastes 7:8-10 says, “the end of a thing is better than its beginning, the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. Do not say, “why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

Everything will be alright in the end. If it is not alright now, then it is not the end.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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