Troubled...yet not distressed

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken: cast down, but not destroyed;

Bro. Paul likely addressed this letter to the church in Corinth around AD 55 from Macedonia (in northern Greece), about one year after sending the first letter in I Corinthians.  His aim was to prepare the church for his upcoming arrival.

• What caused the Apostle to encourage so thoroughly after acknowledging the troubles found in this body of believers? 
• Who knew what "troubles, trials and persecutions" they were facing?

Bro. Paul knew that if God chose to give the gospel to perfect, invincible people, the world might credit the messenger. "Look what a strong person can accomplish!" BUT the Lord chose the weak. He chose the sick. He chose vessels so fragile, they crack. Why? So that when the gospel of the Lord Jesus transforms a life, heals the broken, raises the spiritually dead - everyone will know that such transforming power belongs to what (or Whom) the vessel carries.

Paul does not say we are not troubled. He is honest about the affliction. Troubled on every side. Perplexed. Persecuted. Cast down. But watch the second half of each clause: not distressed, not in despair, not forsaken, not destroyed. The affliction(s) are real. The breaking is real. But so is the refusal to break completely.

Personally, cast down but not destroyed has been a spiritual lifelong encouragement.  The words from the Master continue to remind this believer to "press on a little longer."  Then, daily devotions and meditating zeroed in on this part, troubled on every side, yet not distressed.  It seems the waiting for answered prayer(s) never ends.  Another verse for this weary heart joins todays meditation, Ps 57.7.  This believer could sincerely say if my heart were not fixed on God, I could not go on in Him.

It is the inclination of the flesh to cry "woe is me, why me, why them?"  "Why is their life better this way or that way?" "Why didn't I get this or that in my life?"  The inference in my mind is we are troubled on every side when we look around instead of up!  The old preacher said it this way, "I am looking for the Upper Taker not the undertaker."  

The point? Trust Him.  Lean on Him. (Pro 3.5-6)

To some, it seems either trouble comes in bunches, or trouble never seems to end. But it does.  He NEVER promised sunshine and roses and calm weather all the time.  Remember the stormy waves (Mk 4.39), the hungry multitude (Mt 14.13-21) and remember the dead man brought to life (Jn 11.43)?

Yes, it is duly noted in Job 14.1, Man that is born of a woman is of few days and FULL of trouble.

deeper and you will find an answer

Any preacher of the gospel that preaches "health and wealth" is a liar! We do enjoy such blessings of life from our Creator but more often than not burdens are ours to bear.  However, He also promised in Isa 41.10 to Fear thou not; for I  AM with thee...I WILL strengthen thee; I WILL help thee;...I WILL uphold thee with...MY righteousness.

Dear Saint, when these things begin to come to pass, then LOOK UP, and LIFT UP your heads; (Why) for your redemption draweth nigh. (Lk 21.28)

All of life's troubles can be answered from His Word in one way or another. Remember, "no," "waiting" and no understanding of circumstances" ARE answers.  Wisely, it has been stated, "the best commentary on scripture is scripture."  

however, "no" is an answer too!

One more thing from the heart of one who suffered much in this life, 

• "There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still; with Jesus, even in our darkest moments, the best remains and the very best is yet to be."  Corrie ten Boom