We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed (2 Corinthians 4:8)

by Rittha Naftal | 7 March 2023 08:46 am03

Life in this fallen world is full of trials, tribulations, and hardships. From the moment sin entered the world (Genesis 3), suffering became part of the human experience. Yet, for those who belong to Christ, suffering is never wasted—it is used by God to refine us, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him.

Jesus Himself warned us that trouble is inevitable:

John 16:33 (NIV), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, echoes this truth with both realism and hope:

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV), “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

This passage affirms a central truth of Christian life: suffering is real, but so is God’s sustaining power. Even when we are overwhelmed, we are not overcome, because God’s Spirit is at work in us.

You may face rejection, hostility, or pressure from those closest to you—perhaps your spouse, your children, or your parents—simply because of your faith in Christ. You might face injustice at your workplace, wrestle with financial insecurity, or be weighed down by illness or anxiety about the future. These are not signs of God’s absence. On the contrary, they are opportunities for His presence to be made manifest in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Temporary Nature of Suffering

The Bible reminds us that earthly suffering is temporary but purposeful:

2 Corinthians 4:16–17 (NIV), “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Even death is not the end. For those who are in Christ, it is simply the beginning of eternal life (Philippians 1:21). So even if we lose everything, we have Christ—and in Him, we have all things (Romans 8:32).

Refined by Trials

James speaks to the refining power of suffering:

James 1:2–4 (NIV), “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Similarly, Peter points out that our faith, though tested by fire, is more valuable than gold:

1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV), “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold…—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

This is not about pretending suffering doesn’t hurt. It’s about trusting that through the pain, God is accomplishing something greater than we can see.

The Heart of the Gospel

At the center of all this is the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who suffered for our sins, died on our behalf, and rose again so that we may have life. His suffering gives meaning to ours. His victory guarantees ours.

The cross is our assurance that we are never alone in suffering. And the resurrection is our assurance that suffering does not have the final word.

A Prayer for Strength in Trials

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I know that if it were not for Your grace, I wouldn’t have come this far. Lord, You see my trials, my pain, and my tears. I ask You to walk with me through every difficulty, and if it is Your will, to deliver me from them. But above all, give me strength to endure, faith that does not fail, and love that never grows cold. Help me serve You faithfully in all circumstances, trusting that You are working all things for my good. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/03/07/we-are-troubled-on-every-side-yet-not-distressed-2-corinthians-48/

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