We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (NLT)
One of the great things about the Bible is that it doesn’t sugar-coat life. It acknowledges the seemingly-constant trials, troubles, and sorrows we experience.
Paul, the author of 2 Corinthians, knew firsthand what it was like to be persecuted, both by his enemies and by his own inner struggles. Yet he presents four encouraging contrasts in verses 8-9. The first phrase of each contrast shows our earthly weaknesses, while the second phrase counters with God’s power and grace. Let’s take a look at each one of them and see what they mean for us today:
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.
According to one commentary I read, the word we translate as “pressed” comes from a Greek word that means to press as grapes, to contract, so squeeze. When you squish a grape, it resists at first. Then suddenly, it splits open, its inner juices and flesh flowing out. Doesn’t that imagery capture what it feels like to be pressed on by troubles, especially during infertility?
But even though we are squeezed and pressed, the power of Christ prevents us being crushed completely. Another commentary I read suggested that a better English translation might be, “pressed but not oppressed,” or “being at a loss, but not utterly at a loss.” Despite Paul’s dire circumstances, he was able to see some glimmer of hope or relief.
We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
The usage of the word “perplexed” implies a confusion about not knowing what to do or which way to take. It implies feelings of doubt and fear about spiritual things, and it expresses insecurity about how we’ll receive what we need. Who hasn’t felt this when trying to decide whether or not to do infertility treatment, or which treatment, or how to pay for it? It certainly is confusing and perplexing.
But despite our confusion and anxiety, Paul tells us we always have reason to hope instead of despair. We can count on God to work things out for us and deliver us- both in a spiritual and earthly sense. God’s love is always available for comfort, provision, strength, and wisdom.
We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.
Like many other early disciples of Christ and Christians in certain parts of the world today, Paul experienced threats and instances of torture and imprisonment. Eventually he was martyred for his faith. He knew how it felt to be hunted down and pursued. Yet through all of that, he knew he was never abandoned by God. God never left him, and God never leaves us- no matter our circumstances.
We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Previously in this chapter (verse 7), Paul describes us as being like clay jars (some translations say “earthern vessels”). Clay jars are fragile, and they can usually be dashed to pieces very easy. But since we are safe in the hands of Christ, Paul reminds us that no matter how hard we are thrown around and knocked down, we cannot be destroyed or broken by Satan, by sin, or the world.
But does suffering have meaning?
Sometimes suffering is made more bearable if we know that it means something. As Christians, we can take heart in knowing that our sufferings are a counterpart of the sufferings of Christ. We deliver the message of Christ’s love and power to those who witness our sufferings (verses 10-11).
I am greatly indebted to the following commentaries for their help in understanding this passage: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, People’s New Testament, John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible, Pulpit Commentary, and Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament.
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