I think it is important to keep in mind that the Bible was not written in "God". By that I mean that even if we learn Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic and study the oldest manuscripts that God is still limited in speaking to us because we don't speak "God". So God is consistent in mercy, and speaks to us in ways we can understand.
Just a child cannot understand things with the same depth of experience and understanding as an adult, so as followers of Christ we grow in our ability to more fully consider what God is trying to teach us for our whole lives.
I am persistently and joyously surprised when I read a passage of scripture with a new appreciation for the mercy and joy it brings to me. So today's scripture is bringing me a smile, a tear, a heart full of praise for its truth. Here is the verse from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Those of us who have walked with children or parents or siblings or cousins or friends who are or have been incarcerated have almost certainly felt pressed on every side: Lots of people want to explain the "best thing" to do at each crisis and are often offended when their suggestions are not immediately adopted completely. Other people loose interest or are horrified to think of having this happen to someone they love, so are distant, abrupt or otherwise full of their own fear. We have financial challenges. We often damage our health before we find healthier ways to love. We are aware everyday of how things will never be the same again and we often have trouble imagining a way they could even be really good. But when we develop a relationship with God we are comforted, informed, loved, tended and encouraged so that we are not crushed.
Much in the legal system is perplexing! But God is in charge and promises that our loved ones can find in Christ the antidote for despair. We do not have to live in despair.
When people treat us or our loved one like 2nd class citizens, or even when we are just living in fear of that, it is not hard to feel persecuted and wonder if everyone has such challenges or is this our personal hell. But the Spirit of God never abandons us, and rather persists in offering hope and wisdom and strength. We are not abandoned.
Our former assumptions and expectations about how life would be for ourselves and for those we love have been crushed. But our essential self rests safe and loved in the arms of our loving Lord. We are not destroyed.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Praise God!
Just a child cannot understand things with the same depth of experience and understanding as an adult, so as followers of Christ we grow in our ability to more fully consider what God is trying to teach us for our whole lives.
I am persistently and joyously surprised when I read a passage of scripture with a new appreciation for the mercy and joy it brings to me. So today's scripture is bringing me a smile, a tear, a heart full of praise for its truth. Here is the verse from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Those of us who have walked with children or parents or siblings or cousins or friends who are or have been incarcerated have almost certainly felt pressed on every side: Lots of people want to explain the "best thing" to do at each crisis and are often offended when their suggestions are not immediately adopted completely. Other people loose interest or are horrified to think of having this happen to someone they love, so are distant, abrupt or otherwise full of their own fear. We have financial challenges. We often damage our health before we find healthier ways to love. We are aware everyday of how things will never be the same again and we often have trouble imagining a way they could even be really good. But when we develop a relationship with God we are comforted, informed, loved, tended and encouraged so that we are not crushed.
Much in the legal system is perplexing! But God is in charge and promises that our loved ones can find in Christ the antidote for despair. We do not have to live in despair.
When people treat us or our loved one like 2nd class citizens, or even when we are just living in fear of that, it is not hard to feel persecuted and wonder if everyone has such challenges or is this our personal hell. But the Spirit of God never abandons us, and rather persists in offering hope and wisdom and strength. We are not abandoned.
Our former assumptions and expectations about how life would be for ourselves and for those we love have been crushed. But our essential self rests safe and loved in the arms of our loving Lord. We are not destroyed.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Praise God!
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