The Right Expectations

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

THE APOSTLE PAUL CERTAINLY didn’t live a carefree life. Not even close. He describes going through times of being “pressured,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “struck down.” Most of us consider Paul to have been a strong Christian, so what gives? Why wasn’t Paul enjoying the good life of ease and comfort, secure under God’s protective blessing? Because that’s not what God promises, and that’s not how the Christian life works.

Despite experiencing a great deal of suffering, Paul says that he was “not crushed,” “not driven to despair,” “never abandoned,” and “not destroyed.” Paul doesn’t deny or downplay suffering in the least, but he knows that suffering doesn’t have the final word—God does. Without our sufferings, we would never appreciate God’s great rescues. We would never really learn to trust Him instead of ourselves. So while suffering hurts, it’s not meaningless.

What attitude do you bring to your present sufferings? Do you see them as cruel and random and ultimately meaningless? Or do you see them as opportunities to persevere and overcome by the grace and mercy of God? When you know that God is absolutely wise, faithful, and loving, you know that you will win in the end if you just continue to trust Him. Ask God to give you faith to believe.

BOTTOM LINE

Suffering is normal and to be expected. Overcoming suffering by God’s grace is normal, too, and to be expected by every Christian, including you.

Moment of Strength: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18