2 Corinthians 4 Cast Down but Unconquered

 

2 Corinthians 4- Cast Down but Unconquered

Paul knew about stress. Hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, abandoned. These situations were part of Paul’s life. For us, each day is filled with different levels of stress. Regardless of occupation, age, social status, or lifestyle, we experience stress. Some we bring on ourselves from poor planning, saying “yes” too often or being disorganized. Hopefully we learn our lesson, so it won’t happen again. Stress also arises from factors outside our control, the weather, a broken computer, and unexpected difficulty or sorrow. At those times, we can control only our reactions to the stress. Our reactions reveal our character and our trust in God. We should not be swallowed up or “lose heart” in the stresses of life, because God can renew us on the inside day by day. This life is temporary, our home in heaven is eternal. In the meantime, we can lean on God. He promises peace amid stress.

Paul did not have an easy life. Exciting perhaps, but not easy. The words “hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down” reveal pain and suffering. We may feel this way as we attempt to live out our faith in an unbelieving world. Like Paul, however, we can take comfort in God’s provision in times of trauma. No matter what the difficulty, we are “not crushed, not in despair, not destroyed.” We must keep our perspective in time of great difficulty, knowing that through us, “the life of Jesus also may be manifested.” His light can shine out from any darkness.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible