Egging You On! Beating Life's Difficulties & Cracking on With Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Paul - The Hard-Boiled Egg

Paul, our hard-boiled egg, was a man who lived under intense pressure because he was determined to spread the good news about Jesus. Our scripture for today talks about how during his ministry, he and his co-workers were 'hard pressed' on every side. Like a hard-boiled egg immersed in boiling water, Paul and his gang found themselves in some intense hot water - including shipwrecks, beatings, persecution and wrongful imprisonment. Following Jesus is undoubtedly a 'whisky' business.

Yet Paul, this hard-boiled, hard-pressed man remains an incredible example of resilience and strength throughout these immense challenges. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4 Paul goes on to say that though we may well experience intense times of hardship and struggle in this life, we should not lose heart, as inwardly God is renewing us. What an egg'xemplary attitude through adversity.

Perhaps you find yourself in some hot water today and you too feel hard-pressed on every side. Take heart from the way 2 Corinthians chapter 4 ends. It states that in the big scheme of things, our troubles on earth are momentary, but they have a huge impact on our lives in eternity. They 'achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.' Paul encourages us to not be overwhelmed by looking at the troubles surrounding us, but instead, to fix our eyes on what is unseen, because what is unseen is eternal. If you are in hot water today, keep your thoughts on eternity. Ask God to strengthen you and remember that suffering and struggle, though horrendously tough, can be a significant way that we are transformed to be more like him and to rely much more heavily on him. If we are constantly living 'sunny side up' we often don't connect with God on a deep level.

It's undeniably hard walking through life's trials - sickness, redundancy, relational issues, bereavement - these things are difficult to endure. But when we go through situations that are painful and beyond our control, it forces us to seek God for intervention, wisdom, and strength. The hot water and the related pressure remind us of our need for him. Like Paul, we may be hard-pressed but we do not need to be crushed. We can end up stronger because of the heat, pressure, and challenge if we choose to trust and rely on God throughout it, and to live with an eternal perspective.

Reflection

Bring your hard-pressed situations to God in prayer today.

Reflect on eternity - freedom forever from pain, trials, and suffering.