Persecuted; Not Abandoned

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Cor. 4:7-9 NIV 

Paul is probably known as the greatest missionary ever. He was a stalwart preacher of the good news of God’s grace, and even though he faced worse trials than we are likely to, he persevered. And when talking about his own ministry, he points out that the power of the gospel is supernatural – its success certainly did not come from Paul’s own physical prowess! Unlike the Roman emperors of the time, Paul did not spread his proclamation at the point of a sword.

But we might think that this is a fool’s errand. After all, force is the one thing this world understands. Even the government uses force to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. When your kid is being picked on by a bully, you tell your kid to stand up to the bully; not to be a victim. But what happens to the person who refuses to use coercion or force? They get beat up.

But here is the amazing thing – Paul didn’t mind being persecuted! By the power of God’s Holy Spirit, he was able to endure and even overcome these persecutions. He writes, “We are hard-pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; beaten, but not destroyed.”

This is the comfort that God gives us – the promised Comforter who holds us up even through the toughest trials. The world is an unforgiving place, but the mercy and hope of God have overcome the world. So let us rejoice together, that God holds us up even through the darkest times.


~John