June 1, 2018
2 Corinthians 4:8-12…“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” vss. 8-9
If Paul had ever thought that Jesus had called him to a life of privilege and prosperity, he had quickly been disabused of that notion. On nearly every step of his journey he had faced opposition and adversity, and sometimes had been forced to endure significant physical and emotional pain. But nothing had been able to keep him from proclaiming the good news. No amount of suffering and affliction could wipe the smile from his face! We know people like that! We’ve met them on our walk of faith and it’s amazing to be in their company. They’ve been beset by illness, despair, death–every kind of brokenness–and still they exhibit joy and peace in daily living. What’s their secret? Well, it’s not that they are tougher than anyone else, and they certainly haven’t endured through their own efforts. Rather, they will almost always point to the strength that they have received from God. It’s a power that comes from beyond themselves and that’s hard to understand. But it happens regularly among people of faith and it’s their testimony that gives the rest of us hope. Because of their witness we too, can know that there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God.
Thought for the Day: Someone who has amazed me with their endurance.
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