ICS Daily Devotions
We are Overcomers
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?
