2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
The Apostle Paul talked about being hard-pressed on every side, yet NOT CRUSHED, perplexed BUT NOT IN DESPAIR, persecuted for their faith BUT NOT FORSAKEN, and struck down BUT NOT DESTROYED. It is good to take note of the word BUT because it shows a change in direction or situation.
The word BUT in this situation gives us hope and strength while waiting for the situation to turn around. There will be a process before the situation changes or for the breakthrough to come forth. It is a testimony of the faithfulness of God who promised never to leave nor forsake His people. Although we might not be able to prevent persecution, tribulation, criticism and being cast down from happening in our lives. We are assured of the presence of God during the entire process. There is the grace and the inner strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to sustain us.
Most of us might not have been physically struck down by anyone but we would have experienced being sabotaged, “tripped over” intentionally or betrayed by close ones, business partners and friends. We feel as though we are so down cast because of the experience that we had. The good news is if the Lord is for you then you will not be destroyed. You can rise again if the Lord is for you!
We need not be discouraged during suffering because there is a strengthening made available to us. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in our body and strengthening our inner man. We need to choose to speak out our conviction of the word so that our spirit man will be encouraged. His grace is sufficient for us because His strength is fully manifested in our weakness. We are humans who needs comfort, consolation and encouragement whenever we are hard pressed on every side, persecuted, perplexed and cast down.
God wants you to know that you are not alone although you are lonely and He has placed the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter and teacher especially during times of need. We are not alone even though we may face certain situations by ourselves.
The Holy Spirit is our comforter and the person who ministers peace in our lives. Let us come before the throne of grace to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the unconditional love of God and his grace to help us through our times of need.
Sermon Series: How to Deal with Different Challenges in Our Daily Lives?
我们是得胜者
哥林多后书4:8-9我们四面受敌，却不被困住；心里作难，却不至失望；遭逼迫，却不被丢弃；打倒了，却不至死亡。
使徒保罗说到，我们四面受敌，却不被困住；心里作难，却不至失望； 遭逼迫，却不被丢弃；打倒了，却不至死亡。关注‘却’这个词是好的，因为它指出方向或情况的改变。
在这个情况下，‘却’这个字在我们等候转机时给了我们希望和力量。在形势改变或突破出现之前，会有一个过程。这是对神信实的见证，祂曾应许永不撇下、也不丢弃祂的子民。虽然我们无法阻止迫害、患难、批评和沮丧发生在我们的生活中，但我们可以确信神在整个过程中与我们同在。有恩典和圣灵在我们的心里加添力量来支撑着我们。
我们中的大多数人可能在肉体上不曾被任何人击打，但我们或经历被亲密的人、生意伙伴和朋友们蓄意伤害、“绊倒”或背叛。由于我们的经历，我们觉得自己非常沮丧。好消息是，如果主帮助你，你就不会被毁灭。主若帮助你，你可以重新站起来！
我们不必在患难中感到沮丧，因为有一种力量可供我们使用。 那使耶稣从死里复活的同样力量正在我们的身体中运行，使我们里面的人刚强起来。我们需选择说出我们对神话语的确信，这样我们的灵人就会被鼓励。祂的恩典够我们用，因为祂的能力在我们的软弱上显得完全。当我们四面受敌、遭逼迫、心里作难和沮丧时，我们是需要被安慰、慰问和鼓励的人。
神要你知道，虽然你孤单，但你并不是孤身一人，祂已经把圣灵放在我们里面。圣灵是我们的帮助、安慰和教师，尤其是在有需要的时候。或许我们可能要独自面对一些处境，但我们并不孤单。
圣灵是我们的安慰，也是赐我们生命平安的使者。让我们来到施恩宝座前，求圣灵用神无条件的爱充满我们。让神的恩典帮助我们渡过难关。
讲章系列：如何面对生命中的不同挑战?