WE ARE TROUBLED BUT NOT DESTROYED
Hear the word of God from 2 Corinthians 4 vs. 8-9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
This is what Apostle Paul experienced in his journey on earth as a believer and because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He suffered persecution, rejection, and hardship for the Gospel sake. In spite of all, his testimony serves as encouragement to all Christians. 2 Corinthians 4 v 9 “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
As Christians, we should know that Christianity is not a bed of roses. We all have a price to pay. Jesus paid a PRICE for our sins with His BLOOD. The scripture above is evidence that the Saints of Old made sacrifices for what they believe. We must be ready to make sacrifices to show that we are true followers of Christ(1 Corinthians 6 v 19, 4 vs. 10 -11, Galatians 3 v 13). Matthewn 16 v 26b “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
The essence of the above scripture is that whatever challenges we are facing in the course of our discipleship, we can not be broken because we rely solely on God. We must endure and ensure that we take it as the trials of our faith(James 1 v 3,1 Peter 1 v 7) with the assurance that no matter how tough the circumstances God will
not forsake us nor live us to the desire of the adversary.
Today’s scripture tells us,
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4 vs. 8 – 9
The confidence we have as believers is that whatever challenges are facing because of our faith in Christ Jesus. We will not be consumed by the storms because God is our sustainer and the anchor that holds our lives.
As CELESTIANS, our Hymn encourages us not to lose our faith when we are facing challenges. Rather, we should rejoice. CCC Hymn 743: Ye children of Celestial, burst with joyj in this Celestial fold, because His love abideth with us…… When temptation shall arrive, be filled with joy and be prayerful because His love abideth with us……etc. Eyin omo ijo Mimo, e bu sayo ninu ijo Mimo, nitori ife Re pelu wa……. Nitori ‘danwo ba de, ke mayo, ke si gbadura, nitori ife Re pelu wa….etc.
In conclusion, Brethren, I want us to realise that Jesus assures us that whatever tribulation we are confronted with, we should be of good cheer because He has overcome for us. John 16 v 33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
I pray that in the remaining second half of the year and in this journey of Christianity, the storms of life will not consume us. No matter the situations, we shall come out victorious in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Stay blessed.
JESUS IS LORD!