2 Corinthians 4:7-12NIV
[7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. [8] We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. [10] We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. [11] 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. [12] So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Often times, we take Paul saying “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” As strictly spiritually, but I believe Paul intended that to be our axiom for every aspect of our life. Because in life we will face challenges, disappointments, obstacles. We’ll become discouraged, depressed, anxious, if we don’t hold true to Paul telling us that “Yes, you’re struggling. Yes, you’re discouraged. Yes, things don’t look good right now. Yes, you’re not where you want to be, but God has not abandoned you.”
It’s easy to get caught up in all that’s going on and miss all that’s going right. It’s easy to forget the blessings, miracles, and favor God has given you over the years when your hard-pressed on each side. Paul isn’t tell us not to acknowledge the struggle. Paul is telling us to not disregard the victory. Don’t focus on what feels like defeat. Not every battle is won in one try. Some battles take all night. Some battles need the sun and moon to stop so that you have more time to fight.
The one thing you have to do, is keep going. That’s it. Because when you keep going you are actively putting your faith in God to carry you to the end. You’re actively saying “I know the LORD has good plans for my life and I won’t miss them because life is hard right now.” Paul understood obstacles, just like we do today, if not even more so, but the difference between us and Paul, is that he didn’t focus on the obstacle. Paul focused on the one who got him through that obstacle.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Change Your Axiom.