2 Corinthians 4:8-11
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
Thoughts from Pastor Brian
Dive Deeper
Behind the Scenes
Have you ever felt like everything is just going wrong? In those times, it’s easy to think that maybe God has forgotten you. The apostle Paul could have felt this way too. He left a life of prestige and importance serving as a member of the Pharisee to follow Jesus and minister to His people. In following Jesus, he forfeited his position, his income, his family, his friends, and even his place in society. He went from being highly esteemed to being hated. I can imagine Paul had a few moments when everything was going wrong that he was tempted to wonder if he’d made a mistake.
But God was faithful to Paul and continued to encourage him through the storms of life. God didn’t take Paul out of the storm. Instead, He chose to use Paul in the midst of the storm to display His goodness even more. Paul wrote over and over about how God used the trials of life to draw him closer to Christ. The struggles, oppression, rejection, and pain he encountered in service to God all worked for Paul’s favor… Because he let them. Paul allowed every hardship to become a tool in the Father’s hand to perfect, equip, and grow Paul into the man God always intended him to be. And Paul understood that, though the trials were hard, they had a purpose and a value.
Make it Real
Like Paul, we have a choice. Do we fight against the struggles of this life? Or do we embrace them, allowing God to use them to make us more like His Son? It’s an easy question to ask, but really hard to put into action. When life is hard and we feel oppressed, we have to stand firm on the truth that God has never abandoned us. He is right in the middle of suffering with us.
Take a look back at the story of Peter walking on the water in Matthew 14. Notice that Jesus came to the disciples in the middle of the storm. He even called Peter to take a huge step of faith in the middle of the storm. He didn’t quiet the storm first. And Peter obeyed the call of Christ even though the storm around him was raging. The obedience that it takes to step out of the boat in the midst of the storm is much more than if there were no storm at all. And Jesus knew that. So, He allowed the storm to rage, knowing that Peter’s obedience and faith would be tested and perfected in the middle of the storm.
As we walk out our life with Christ, we will encounter storms and trials. But if we allow Him, God can and will use those storms to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ. I don’t know what struggles you are facing today. But I do know this… 100%, without a doubt… Jesus is standing in the midst of the storm with you, reaching out His hand, calling you to walk on water with Him. He will never abandon you nor forsake you. And as we choose to walk in faith, the waves might get higher, the storm might get stronger. But He is faithful no matter what and He is always with you.
We love you all!
Crystal Garnett
ACF Digital Publishing Team Lead
End in Prayer
Hey God,
Thank you so much for always being faithful. Sometimes life is really hard and I struggle to see You in the middle of the storm. But I know you’re with me, even when I can’t see You.
God, help me today to trust You more. Please give me a glimpse of you in the midst of these storms. I trust You to use the hard things I’m facing to make me more into the person You want me to be. Please give me the strength I need to face this storm. Help me to rest in You and Your perfect peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.