But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 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 4:7-10
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, or thought “why me God?” I am pretty sure at some point we all have. Life and the struggles we face can be hard. It is in these times that we must hold on to the truth. This verse reminds us that even though we are afflicted in every way, we are not crushed. Even though we are perplexed and may not understand why all these things are happening, we are not driven to despair. Even when those around us persecute us, leave us out, make fun of us, mock us, and act as if we are crazy for trusting Jesus, we are not forsaken. We might be struck down at this moment, but we are not destroyed.
Believer, you have hope, hold onto it and press into Jesus as the woman with the issue of blood did (Matt. 9:20-22). Reach out and touch Jesus, grab hold of Him by spending time in His word, in prayer, and worshiping Him. This woman gave us an example not to lose hope but rather press in and reach out to Jesus. Her faith in Jesus made her well. Jesus is our healer. I have seen many miraculous healings in myself, my family, and those around me. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is fully capable of healing anything because nothing is impossible for Him. However, I also trust Him when He chooses not to do it in my timing or when He does not choose to bring the physical healing I am hoping for because I see him healing in other ways. For instance, right now I am going through some health issues that have not gone away. I have not been healed in the way I have hoped for, but I see God using it to bring healing to me in other ways like restoring the joy of the Lord in my life that is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). He is also filling me with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
When you are plagued with thoughts like “why me?” or “why is this happening?” , remember Jesus has a reason and it is for good (Rom. 8:28). It may be so that you learn to rely on Him. As it says in 2 Corinthians 1:9b “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” Or maybe it is so that we can be comforted by God so that we can comfort others when they are struggling (2 Corin. 1:4-5). It could also be to learn that His grace is sufficient (2 Corin. 12:9). It may be that others need to see the hope, peace, and joy that you have in difficult times so that they would be drawn to the light of Jesus in you and come to know Jesus. Whatever the reason may be, we need to trust in Him, holding onto hope, joy, peace, and the truth. Let us run the race that is set before us and not grow weary or fainthearted(Hebrews 12:1, 3).
Written by Rebecca Murzin
