“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down but we get up and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of our constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NLT).
Tough week. Illness, bad news, impatience, a stinky attitude and annoying situations I’ve found myself in—some because of my own doing and some out of no part of mine. A week- long wrestling match with discouragement, a battle for my mind, a change in our schedule (those of you who know me know full well I don’t like anything messing with my planner) and a heavy burden for a sister in Christ.
Something had to be done. I couldn’t live life to its fullest in a fetal position, hiding from life and casting fiery darts with my each and every look and word. So I did it…
I stood up straight and tall, cleared my throat and read aloud the following verses. Not sure if it was for my sake or the sake of the enemy, doesn’t really matter—it worked.
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down but we get up and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of our constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies” ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NLT).
Get off the couch. Get out of bed. Say it in your pit if you must, but know where you are is only temporary. Stand tall and proud when you speak the words. If you’re living, like me, the front half of each verse, it’s now time to take hold of the second half. It’s intended for you. It’s meant for you. It’s promised to you. Claim it!
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for November study writer Diane Bridgman as she coordinates North Carolina’s WAC.
