4 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart... We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
By the time of his writing 2 Corinthians, Paul had suffered at the hands of believers and non believers. In Chapter 4 of his letter, he writes, God's mercy has allowed him to continue his ministry when he could so easily have lost heart. In Acts 18:9 Paul's ministry receives the boost it needed. "One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.” It is only by the power of God that he and those who follow him, had not been destroyed by the opposition they have faced.
Covid 19 and the ramifications of the disease have knocked us off our feet. We are fortunate, however, to number among those who have not been adversely affected. Paul's word struck a chord for me as we traverse this up and down battle of Covid 19. Because as we are shocked by the details of the disease, we become perplexed but we are given hope through the daily trials of new medicines.
God has not left us to do battle on our own. It may not be Covid 19 but it could be another situation we are dealing with in our lives, and God says, step out, you may fall but you will not be crushed. Share these reassuring words with someone. More than ever, at a time like this, we need to be our brothers' and sisters' keeper. Tell them how the joy of the Lord has made a difference in your life. How the Lord promised to walk with Paul and now with them in whatever they are facing.
Paul's words are very realistic. You will have trouble. We cannot go through this life without some kind of life changing event; even giving birth though joyous, brings on a certain level of anxiety. However, because of God and His Son Jesus Christ, we will get back up. We will rise! My friends, do not lose heart .... you may suffer but you will not be destroyed. God's mercies are new each morning. May your prayer start, thank you for sustaining me to see a new day, your mercies have seen me through the night.
Enjoy the selection for this week: I am trading my sorrows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KsfwvpcQhY
Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord.