"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in dispair, persecuted,  but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed." 2Corinthians 4:8
 
When Paul wrote these words, physically, he was not in the best place.  His ministry had taken him to new heights, spiritually, but physically, he was weakened and weary.  However, he kept on because of the love of God burning inside him.  No man has the will to carry on under such hard circumstances, unless he is compelled by the divine love and will of God.  He was not unaware of his chains, but was aware of the grace that covered him and his fellow laborers.  He truly rejoiced in his sufferings, because he knew that they were not in vain.
 
Its easy to look at our own suffering and feel sorry for ourselves.  Often we give into that voice that says we are suffering for nothing.  However, when we set Jesus always before us, there is a reward, He is our reward.  Earlier I was listening to a song called "I will walk through the Valley." by Ginny Owens.  The words are hard to listen to, but they also bring a great deal of comfort.  I like the line that says "When the whole worlds turned against me, and I'm all by myself and I can't hear you answer my cries for help, I'll remember the suffering Your love put you through, so I'll walk through the valley if you want me to."-Ginny Owens, Walk through the Valley. 

The valley is easier to walk through when you remember that Jesus walks by your side.  And also that His love for us led Him through the deepest of valleys.  In the Garden of Gethesemane, Jesus was "overwhelmed to the point of death" (Luke 14:34) by His burden. He walked that lonely road to the cross alone, compelled by the Father's love for us.
We will never be asked to do what Jesus did, but as believers, we will face trials and pain for our faith, and just because of daily life.  We may be crushed, persecuted, perplexed and struck down, but we are also covered, favored, and loved, and we never, ever walk this road alone!

Submitted by Jamie Glaser

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