2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
I'm a big sports fan and one of the best parts of sports, especially football, is being in the locker room listening to the coach pump up the players. The good coaches give rousing speeches, often starting out with a reminder of where they came from and where they are today. Then he throws down the challenge and implores them to do their best. Then the team as a unit storms onto the field for the hope of victory!!!
Paul is like a football coach. On the surface, these two verses from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians seem like a downer. He's basically saying, 'the chips are down, things look bleak, but we're still in the fight.' Later in the reading, he says in verse 15, "Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people, may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God." If we get through the 3rd quarter and 4th quarter, by the end of the game, we WILL win because of the grace and glory of God. We have nothing to worry about because God is with us always. There is no way we will lose. Live that faith today. Trust in God in all things challenging and perplexing, and in the end, God will lead you to ultimate victory. FYI...preseason football starts in two months!
