Be strong
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” NIV (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
In his recount of the apostolic ministry at his time, Paul gives a packed depiction of what it means to obey God and not a man and the experiences this may bring. He tells of how fragile we are physically, and yet how indescribably rich we are endowed on the inside (spiritually). Thus when we avail ourselves to Him we become a treasure pot fitting for every good work. God may be glorified in several areas of our lives. For Paul and his apostolic companions, there was still a reason to keep focused on God to the end amidst being hard pressed, in perplexity, in the time of persecution- not to mention being down stricken.
- As an example to us today, we can also step into the world every blessed day with much assurance and new strength. The walk and the journey may be full of distractions and varying difficulties. But we need to be strong.
- There are things we may plan for due to our anticipation of them. However, many others may only elude us and may be beyond our scope of control. We are to be strong.
- Are you bedridden for a short or very long time due to some ill health? Be strong.
- Have you suddenly incurred a grave loss of your livelihood and shelter? Be strong.
- Are you bereft of a loved one? Be strong.
- Have you trailed in an exam you wrote? Be strong.
- Do you have to cope with some marital challenges? Be strong.
- Did you have to suffer some abuse or unfair treatment? Be strong.
- Are family disputes eating you up? Be strong.
- Do you have to see some dear one go through a terminal illness? Be strong.
- For the homeless, and rejected-be strong.
- Are you troubled in choosing a life partner? Are relationship breakups tearing you down? Be strong.
- Are you yet to have the fruit of the womb? Stay strong.
- Has destitution kicked you on every side? The Lord will not leave us helpless, for all things work for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28) -be strong.
On the other hand, let us be strong against the following spiritual enemies: the moments of temptations, the deceitfulness of compromise of our faith in God, the allurement of the pleasures of sin, the vanity of pride and self-aggrandizement. The list could be endless since we may all have an area of struggle of a sort -but we must be strong. If we strive to go God’s way then we can assuringly exclaim, “…For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10)”. The God of all strength will give strength through to the end. In becoming responsive to the Lord’s call, we are also reminded to let every feeble arm and weak knees be strengthened (Hebrews 12:12).
Reflection
When we listen to God, we walk to glorify Him even in the terrain of the unknown. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Let us be closer to the Lord to draw constant strength even in the darkest time in our lives. Stay blessed.