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We could probably all live the Christian life if the only scripture we had was II Corinthians chapters 3-5. Rich, rich direction for us all. In dealing with the fight against cancer that has stricken my body,  I seem to see layers in some of these verses that I thought I already knew. II Corinthians 4:8 uses words like this to describe trouble…”we are hard pressed”, “perplexed”, “persecuted”, “struck down”. Sometimes I have gone on to the victory after these words but I forgot to feel the pain of harsh words like “struck down”. Struck down hurts! These are real words. Real pain. Real intense. I know what it feels like to be “perplexed” at a deeper level than what I used to. I taught for years the victory that the Treasure in us offers being oblivious to the real struggle and heartache that my fellow brothers and sisters were carrying around with them. It’s ok to be temporarily perplexed. It’s part of living on this planet.

The vicious strain of being “hard pressed” just doesn’t let up sometimes. And I don’t even pretend to know what it’s like to be “persecuted”. In addition, I noticed that while in great trial I had misquoted many verses. Like “In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God…” I had mistakenly believed it to say “FOR everything give thanks for this is the will of God…” Now I see that there are evils that we don’t have to give God thanks FOR, but can still give Him thanks while we’re IN them. I had misquoted Romans 8:28 to say that “all things work together for my good”, but it actually says “all things work together for good”. So I’m seeing clearer now that good is always on its way for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. But  I am very cautious now in defining “good” by human standards. It might not be MY good that’s coming. God is good. That’s why good is always nearby. He weaves everything together for good, His purposes.

But let it be known that while “hard pressed” feels like the life is being squeezed out of you, you are not going to be crushed. You may feel totally “perplexed” by everything going on, but because of the Treasure in you, you have no need to despair. You may be under intense “persecution”, but you are not abandoned; you are not alone. You may be temporarily “struck down”, but GET UP; you are not destroyed!! Your fragile clay pot may be feeling the heat, but that’s where clay pots get their strength…through the excruciating fire!

I have experienced many years of ease. I have created much, if not all, of my own pain. I have experienced God’s giving-ness in times I was shaking my fist at Him. When the trees in the orchard are full of fruit and green leaves are everywhere it’s easy to praise Him. But when you look up and all the fruit is gone and there’s not one leaf on the trees, it’s hard to praise Him. However, with everything cleared out of the way, sometimes it’s easier to see Him. Hab. 3:17-19

Have you noticed that many companies promise to offer 24/7 support. I doubt their claims.  But Julie and I have seen 24/7 support from our Father. He is relentless in loving His children. And His children have loved on us like nothing I’ve ever seen in 30 years of ministry. It makes me cry to see how the love of Jesus surges through His body. So being “cast down” hurts. But like a good friend of mine says, “This isn’t a boxing match where you can just lean on the ropes and hope not to get hurt. It’s a BAR FIGHT and the enemy will kick you when you’re down. So get up, break a bottle, and go after the enemy’s throat!”

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”        II Corinthians 4:16-18  The Message

For More on this subject read “The Holy But” on our website and then get the book “The Rest of the Gospel”.