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Verse By Verse Devotional by Pastor Jack on 2 Corinthians #100

February 8, 2017 | by: Jack Lash | 0 comments

Posted in: 2 Corinthians

Christian Confusion (4:8)

4:7-10 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; PERPLEXED, BUT NOT DESPAIRING; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

Included in Paul’s list of tribulations he -- and all God’s people -- endure is perplexity. The Greek word translated here as "despairing" is the same word translated "perplexed" but in its intensified form. It means "at a loss" or "confounded" or "uncertain" or "disturbed" or “confused.” What Paul seems to be saying is that we are perplexed but not completely perplexed, we are perplexed but never to the point of despair.

This describes well the Christian condition. One of the features of living in this cursed world is that a lot of very dark and sad and perplexing things happen. And part of being yet unperfected is that we are often troubled and confounded by what we see and experience in this world. However, through it all, the Christian has a hope that endures. Even in the face of disturbing injustice and seemingly purposeless tragedy, we know that God is on His throne, that He rules over the affairs of His world, that He knows what He is doing, that He has all things well in hand, and that it all fits into a perfect plan which will result in glory and understanding and praise. So, though at times we may be perplexed, we are never cast into despair.

 

We are often tossed and driven on a restless sea of time,

Somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine,

In that land of perfect day, when the mists have rolled away,

We will understand it better by and by.

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand,

All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed Promised Land;

But He guides us with His eye and we’ll follow till we die,

For we’ll understand it better by and by.

By and by when the morning comes,

When the saints of God are gathered home,

We’ll tell the story of how we’ve overcome;

We will understand it better by and by.

(C.A. Tindley)

You have subjected this world to futility, O Lord, King of earth and heaven. And Your whole creation groans in the hope of being set free from its slavery to corruption. And not only this, but we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for the redemption of our bodies on the last day. Help us to trust in You in the midst of what seems like chaos. Help Your people to hide themselves in You, our Refuge and our Strength. Help us not to panic or despair, even when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Help us be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to You. And may Your peace, which surpasses all comprehension, keep guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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