Struck down, but not destroyed.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

The life of the believer comes with the promise of hardship. Despite popular teaching, we are conquers in the life of sufferings. God promises all things will work together for our good if we love Him, but make no mistake it can be hard to see it at times (Romans 8:28).

I don't know about you, but this line is hard for me to swallow in the midst of living it.

How to make sense or peace with being struck down, and recognizing in the same breath the promise it will not destroy us.

I love God, deeply. But His ways go beyond my comprehension until after the fact generally, and I know I am not alone.

God, how can this be for my good?

Why does this have to be part of your plan?

And yet each time I come out of it, I look back in wonder in varying points with gratitude He gives me what I need and not what I want.

Funny enough, the privilege He has given me to sit with people and process through their hardships, I am always the most effective following my own failures and shortcomings.

It is my mistakes that are the best teachers, and they are where I learn the degree of dependency I have on Him that I can effective.

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about me. John 15:26

Which is funny to me at times because it can be easy to want to lead with our strengths, and yet it is our weaknesses people find comfort to grow with us in.

I hope to encourage you today if you feel struck down, but not destroyed.

Take heart, sister or brother: He has overcome the world (John 16:33).