“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” II Corinthians 4:4-7

Afflicted. Perplexed. Persecuted. Struck down. Life does all those things to us, sapping our resources and our strength.

That is reality. It happens. The suffering is real, and intense.

But here is the greater reality: despite the affliction, through the confusion, regardless of the exhaustion, God will never let you be destroyed. He knows that we are fragile earthen vessels, and he extends “the surpassing greatness of his power” so that we will always survive, no matter what life throws at us.

• What does it mean to you to realize that intense suffering is part of this life – for everyone?
• Look back over your life: How has God’s power kept you from being crushed? How has his truth kept you from despairing? How has his presence reminded you that you are not forsaken? How has his grace prevented you from being destroyed?

© 2010 Paula Marolewski, www.SinkYourRoots.com

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