By Pastor Royston Smith

Paul knew what dark days were. His life in Christ was one that was satisfying and rich but mixed with extreme challenges and trials. The language he used to capture his journey is extremely emotional in 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.”

Psychologically, all these are negative and stressful emotions – hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. Observing his language, the situation he spoke of worsened as time progressed. However, it is perhaps best to disregard any special comparison that Paul might have had in mind and to consider these phrases simply as the great contradictions of the Christian life. Obviously, these words were a true reflection of what Paul himself and his missionary companion were experiencing during their apostolic ministry. The fact is, Christians are not immune to life’s problems or social diseases.

As believers, we often suffer greatly, but an invisible arm acts as our wonderful support. Similarly, at times we are deceived by friends and oppressed by enemies; but an invisible voice emerges speaking on our behalf. God will never leave us nor forsake us. There may be fears within, as well as fighting without; yet we are not destroyed. We must see sufferings as a counterpart of the sufferings of Christ, that people might see the power of Christ’s resurrection, and of grace in and from the living Jesus. 

This is genuine proof that God works through weak people. However, such limitation must be strengthened by faith, with a strong connection to the Holy Spirit.  Frankly, the enemy of our soul uses every trick to confuse, besides masking our real source of support. Like a roaring lion the devil vigorously seeks to extinguish the true source of our light in this dark and disease infected world. His main purpose is to afflict Christians’ whilst diminishing our fruitfulness as God’s true effective witnesses. The enemy seeks to crush and perplex our work and witness and desires to hedge us in on every side and press us into an ungodly mould. Simply put, the devil wants to embarrass, frustrate and suppress you to the point of desperation. 

Encouragingly, Paul reminding us, that Christ is bigger than all the problems you face in this world. Affliction cannot crush you, as the Lord is your life and strength. Being perplexed might create difficulties but Jesus is your shield.  Fundamentally, God’s grace is sufficient, His life-giving strength within you is perfected in our weakness. So, in this season of coronavirus pandemic ensure you test positive for faith. Keep a safe distance from doubt. Isolate yourself from unbelief.  Ventilate on the oxygen of the Holy Spirit. The joy of the Lord is your strength. David reminds us in Psalm 126:4-6: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

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