WORKING THROUGH IT BUT NOT STUCK

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”

Life happens to everyone, Christians and non-Christians. However, God expects you as a Christian to react to happenings in your life differently from non-Christian. The things happening in your life that are challenging your faith in God should not define you because they are temporary and subject to change. Our Lord Jesus Christ encouraged us to be of good cheers in this world filled with tribulations because He has overcome for us (John 16:33).  Psalm 34:19 says the righteous may go through many afflictions, but the Lord will deliver him/her from all the afflictions. Micah 7:8 says the enemy should not rejoice when we fall because we will rise again. Isaiah 43:2 assures us of God’s abiding presence when we are going through all manner of trials, so we come out victorious. Talking about trials and temptations, James admonishes us to count it all joy when we face trials of many kinds so the testing of our faith can produce patience (James 1:2-4). Do not lose your joy in trials but be strengthened by the joy of the lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Maintain a lifestyle and atmosphere of joy. Free yourself from a mindset of gloom and doom. No matter what you lose never lose your joy. Enter into the realm of thankfulness. Never forget the ministry of angels to strengthen you during your lowest time. Angels are spoken of in the Scriptures as “ministering spirits,” sent forth to minister for those who are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Apostle Paul assures us that we may appear struck down but we not out (2 Corinthians 4:9). You may be working through some challenging situations right now but you are not stuck. There is a champion in you. Do not give in to the suggestions of the devil: Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).