Not Crushed .. Abandoned .. or Destroyed

Scripture: 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. (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

Often, I admit, I have fallen into despair about how God is being shoved out of every area possible in our country. There are fights every year on how "offensive" the Nativity Scene is during the Christmas season, how Christmas trees became "holiday trees", how a cross located anywhere in public off of church property is considered contemptible.

Then I read this scripture, and realize, 'hey, wait a second. No one said being a Christian was going to be easy.' We have much to be thankful for, despite what we see happening around us. Despite the bad, "...we are not crushed ... not driven to despair ... never abandoned by God ... are not destroyed ... "

It often feels to me like we are a small but mighty group, us Christians. We collectively are "David" going up against "Goliath". What were the odds when such a small boy took his lowly sling shot and hefted a stone towards his giant enemy? I get so lost in the shadow of the enemy that stands before me. I see the cold, hard hatred in his eyes, the curl of his lip, the size of his arms and legs. My knees turn to water. My heart grows faint with fear.

If only I could always remember Who is ultimately in control! Others may want to do away with Christians and all our symbols, beliefs, indeed, our existence. But God has seen it all from beginning to end, all the good, the bad and the reprehensible. And us? We can rest in the fact that we might be rubbed out of existence, but we will ALWAYS be with HIM.

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell". (Matthew 10:28) How can I, a Christian, forget even for a moment Who is in control? No matter what happens for better or worse, my Lord is always consistent, always faithful.

I don't know what this new year has in store for us, but I'm going to try not to lose sight of the fact that God is above any "Goliaths" in our lives. Whether Goliath is a symbol of persecution or personal struggles, our LORD is in control. He's steering this ship we call "life" and we should hang on and trust He knows where He's going - because I can assure you, you don't want to miss a chance to be with Him even for a moment!!

Prayer: Lord, as a new year is upon us, help us each to strengthen our resolve to walk closer to You, to take every action possible to make this a reality, and not to concern ourselves with the darkness that sometimes seems to be closing in. YOU are the light of the world, never changing and always present! Like David, help us to stand firm, look Goliath straight in the eyes and not fear what we do next, because You are on OUR side, and You will always see us through. Amen

Prayer request: Pray for those who have walked away from God due to various heart aches and disappointments they have suffered. Pray that the Lord will soften their hearts and draw them back to Him once more.