Pressed on Every Side!

2 Cor 4:8,9 NLT) We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

This morning we continue by continuing to discuss Paul: his life and his teachings. The passage we are walking through in 2nd Corinthians chapter four is very powerful, especially as it relates to remaining strong while facing challenges. Friday we learned Paul's secret to persevering through adversity. He told us that the "great power" actually comes from God and not from ourselves. Paul was referring to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. As Born-Again believers, we would do well in tapping into and relying on this power. After making such a statement, after identifying God is the true power source, Paul goes on to tell us why we need that power. He says:

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed."

Make no mistake, this was not an easy time to be a Christian. First century believers were jailed, beaten, tortured and even killed. Under Emperor Nero coliseums were packed with onlookers as believers (followers of Jesus the Christ) were thrown into the arena with lions and tigers to be eaten alive. So to say that things were hard for them (especially when all they were asked to do is DENY Christ) would be an understatement.

For believers back then to hold on to their faith, to refuse to back down, to continue to preach and share the Gospel at the threat of death, and to have a smile on their face while they did it is truly amazing.

These were people with a Warrior Spirit. I am sure they had thoughts of giving up, we all do, but they never allowed themselves to give in to those thoughts. They relied on God's power, they tapped into it continually, and they were therefore able to endure and overcome things that would have consumed the average believer today. I run into people today that say, I am being persecuted at work. My boss won't let me play Christian music or pray in the workplace. That is not persecution... not by a long shot! In many ways we have become 'wimpy' Christians who whine and complain about any and everything.

I believe the Father has me teaching on this because He wants us to get back to the point where we are not shaken by the storms of life. The Father is looking for believers who will not turn coward when things get tough. On the other hand, the enemy loves it when we quit at the first sign of trouble. Once we do that the devil knows that all he needs to do is send a little trouble our way and we will give up on our faith. We need to get back to the attitude of Paul. When he said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed," he was basically saying, "Look, we have trouble coming at us from the North, South, East, West, Northeast, Southwest... etc.; but we refuse to give up!"

So what does this mean to you? It means that you must be strong. But the Father is not looking for you to JUST be strong in your own power, because that can only take you so far. No, He wants you to be strong in the power of His might! If you tap into the endless power of the Holy Spirit, you will be able to face challenges - even when they come from every side - without quitting! The only way you can lose is if you quit! If you refuse to quit, eventually you will come through every challenge on top.

Develop a Warrior Spirit and PRESS ON with God!

Father, I use the first century believers as an example and my faith is stirred this morning. They endured much more than I am facing and they were able to press on, because of Your power. Just like You did it for them, You will do it for me. I tap into Your power this morning and I declare that I am made strong in the power of Your might. With You on me, in me, with me, and for me, I am able to face every challenge with a smile on my face and an unrelenting determination, because I know I will come out on top. I refuse to quit, cave in, or turn coward. I am a believer and not a doubter, and I operate in faith and fear, therefore I shall win and not lose! In Jesus' name. Amen!


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