Afflicted In Every
Way,
But Not Crushed
But we have this
treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary
power belongs to God and does not come from us. 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 made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus
sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
But just as we have
the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture – “I believed,
and so I spoke” – we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the
one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us
with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as
it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of
God.
So we do not lose
heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being
renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an
eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be
seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what
cannot be seen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Paul had a long-range
view of our earthly and eternal experience as followers of Christ. In the midst
of personal setbacks, he urged the Corinthians not to lose heart. In spite of
loss, we are to pursue the higher goals of God’s kingdom now, anticipating our
eternal triumph in Christ.
Trials can be God’s
way to triumph.
Our Daily Bread –