Statement:
Our God is the only reason we have the ability to overcome our harshest of seasons!
(2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ESV) '7Â But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 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."
Hebrew / Greek Word Study
Focus Word: Destroyed = (apóllymi / ap-ol'-loo-mee; from = (Greek / phonetic sound)
Strongs Definition G622: to destroy fully (to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively:—destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
Scripture Thoughts:
Through this verse, the apostle Paul is teaching us that as Christians, we are going to have trials and tribulations, but we should expect to overcome them all because of the glory of God that resides on the inside of us. These afflictions/trials will test us; some will take us to our breaking point, but as long as we don't give up, God will sustain us and give us victory over the enemy and the tactics he uses against us. Take a moment to compare and contrast the words Paul uses in writing this to us as Christians: how he uses a word that represents the adversary's tactics and how he uses a word to represent the ability we have with the glory of God working on the inside of us.
My Thoughts:
God has a way of always showing us that we have more left on the inside of us, even when we think we have nothing else left. The enemy will push some of us to our breaking point, but as long as we put our trust in God, we will be victorious in the end. Every hardship, trial, test, and tribulation has an end date. Therefore, our job is to stand in the trial and let God work through us in our times of need. We are, as humans, fragile (jars of clay) and not necessarily strong on our own, especially when it comes to our true enemy (Satan and his dominion). God is aware of this and knows how much we can actually take. This is so important because many people give up in the trial when they actually have a lot more to give! Navy Seal David Goggins once mentioned that he learned that most people give up when they are only 40% expended. Simply meaning, they have 60% left to give. They have allowed their mind and way of thinking to betray them, and once the mind gives in, the body and soul follow.
We will definitely take some blows! Some blows will knock us to the ground, but they will NOT kill us! Some issues will perplex us, but as long as we have God, we will not be driven to a place we cannot come back from. The longevity of some trials will make us feel persecuted, forgotten, and lonely, but God promised to always be with us. In our most difficult of days, the days where we find ourselves wanting to give up and give in to what the enemy is throwing at us, we must remember we have an undefeated God! Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, knows our hurts, pains, trials, and tribulations. Our Lord and King who remains victorious for eternity!
Excellent Teaching On This Topic!
Extra Scripture To Study:
2 Corinthians 4
Mark 5
Psalms 91
Additional Information:
Closing Thoughts:
These are a few great scriptures to study and meditate on. We gain more understanding of God and His Word when we seek to know Him better. As you study the Bible, look at how much God loves us and is willing to give everything to come after us. It's time for you to become whole and live the fullness of life the Lord has for you.
Challenge:
This week, daily, take some time to pray and ask God for help regarding His word and become receptive to it. The next step is to act on His Word and continue to be the Son or Daughter He has called you to be.
Take Care Family,
Pastor Charles
©Copyright Charles R. Myles II 2024
Check Out The Book "Wounded Soul: Death Lived Inside Me" by Pastor Charles Myles
Also Available on Amazon.
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