Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-10 | 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 made visible in our bodies.
Paul’s existential and intellectual confidence also allows him to be honest about the circumstances of his life and to see a deeper purpose. The powerful language of this passage is direct evidence for me of biblical inspiration. Read it slowly to yourself several times. Paul is sometimes afflicted on more than one front. This word refers to both external and internal struggle, circumstances and emotions. But he is not “crushed.” Sometimes he is persecuted, attacked by Jews for his faith in Jesus, mocked by Greeks for his claims about God, or hauled before Roman judges. But at no point does he feel abandoned.
At times he is perplexed and unable to see how his suffering fits into God’s great purpose, but he does not give in to despair. On occasion he is struck down, through physical attack or illness but he survives. There are moments where simply enduring is a great triumph.
Does this passage echo in your life in some way?
Memorize these verses.
