Who Are You Fooling?
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies." -2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (A)
6/10/20252 min read
Life has its fair share of challenges. Some people think that once you start walking with Jesus everything will automatically be perfect: no trials, no sadness, even no consequences at times. Well, I'll tell ya, that is far from the truth. Nowhere in the Bible tells us that our life will be without suffering on this earth. In fact, there are a lot of verses about trials. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (A) reads: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies." We do not have to go around faking that everything is going well when it's really not. We have a Helper whose name is Holy Spirit and He is with us wherever we go, empowering us to keep on going. We don't have to put on an air of strength!
2 Corinthians 12:9 reads: "But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." In God's presence, He allows us to cry out to Him from deep hurt, ask Him to work on our behalf, and just to be held in His mighty hands. Thankfully, through the gathering of Christ-hearted believers, we can find spiritual and moral support as well. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of just how important it is to gather among other believers saying: "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."
Isolation prolongs suffering. Holding it in and being fake doesn't work for long (and it's so much work to keep up a facade, let's be honest). Spoiler alert, people will notice sooner or later anyway. Although for some it can be hard to feel open or able to share, know that God is with you, just waiting to hear what you have to say and can/will send people your way that are willing and able to support you. He wants to help. Can you believe that the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars wants to help you? Well, believe it! Even if the answer isn't immediate, just know that His perfect will is unfolding whether or not you can see it. "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19