Hard Pressed On Every Side
But we have this
treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and
not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but
not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We
always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus
may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given
over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our
mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
It is written:
“I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith,
we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised
the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with
you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is
reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory
of God.
Therefore we do not
lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being
renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix
our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Losing
our jobs can have terrible impacts on us, but can also make our faith stronger.
Sometimes we don’t think we can ever be replaced, but the truth is something
different. Everyone can be replaced.
When
we have life-changing problems God provides for us in unexpected ways. We might
pray for one thing that we want. But God will give us what we need. Down times with health, family and
the economy can bring us closer to our Lord. Use the time wisely. Know that you
have a role, and that you have certain responsibilities. You can only plant a
seed, but God can make it grow. Don’t lose heart when troubles come down on
you. Trust God and draw near to Him. Praise Him for what He has given you.
There’s no better time to praise God than right now.
Our Daily Bread –