Getting Through Tough Times

Good morning Ekklesia Family

2 Corinthians 4:8-18 (NLT) says...

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, 'I believed in God, so I spoke.' We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-18, the Apostle Paul reflects on the paradox of Christian suffering and the enduring hope we possess. Paul likens believers to fragile jars of clay containing a priceless treasure—God’s power and glory. Though we encounter various forms of adversity, Paul reassures us that these trials do not lead to ultimate defeat. The hardships we endure are temporary and are preparing us for an eternal glory that far surpasses our current struggles. This eternal perspective enables us to focus not on the transient troubles but on the everlasting promises of God.

As believers, we often face moments when life's challenges seem insurmountable. These tough times can press us from every side, leaving us perplexed and hunted down. However, Paul reminds us that despite these pressures, we are not crushed, not driven to despair, not abandoned, and not destroyed. This is because God’s sustaining power is at work within us.

When you face trials, remember that they are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God’s plan. These difficulties are shaping you and producing in you a glory that will last forever. Instead of fixating on the visible problems, focus on the unseen realities of God's kingdom. This eternal perspective will renew your spirit daily and provide you with the strength to endure.

Ekklesia, you are God's people. God’s people are built to last. Tough times may come, but they won't last forever. However, the people of God, sustained by His eternal promises, will endure. Yes, you are going to make it. Embrace your identity as a vessel of God’s glory, and let His power be made perfect in your weakness. Trust that God is with you in every trial, and He will never abandon you.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives, especially during tough times. Help us to see beyond our present troubles and to fix our eyes on Your eternal promises. Renew our spirits daily and strengthen us to endure with unwavering faith. May Your glory be revealed in our lives, and may we always remember that while tough times won’t last, Your people will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

LoveUmorethanUknow Stephän Kirby