Not Crushed and Not In Despair!

St. Paul in Prison - Rembrandt, 1627

We are hard pressed on every side,

yet not crushed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:8

Regardless of who you are and what is going on in your life, you can probably identify with this verse. You may feel "hard pressed" because of temptations, work, relationships, health issues, aging parents, finances, etc. No doubt, we will all experience pressure in this life. However, because of the power of the resurrection of Christ, we will not be crushed when we are put under pressure. Yes, we will be perplexed at times, but not in despair.

It is safe to say the apostle Paul was definitely hard pressed and perplexed since he suffered greatly in his life. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Paul describes some of his sufferings....labors, imprisonments, stripes, various dangers, stoning, shipwrecks, hardships and fastings, cold and nakedness. Because Paul continually reflected on the promises of God and the power of the resurrection, he maintained hope and was sustained by hope. Read Romans 8:28 and be assured of God's ability.

To watch a video about the life of Paul go to http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3170908278495640769