Feeling overwhelmed right now?

“We are hard pressed on every side...” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV)

That’s what Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians. And how right he was! The church in Corinth faced all kinds of challenges: conflict, confusion about matters of faith, and even doubts about Paul’s authority.

Sound familiar? Are you also feeling like life is pressing in on you from all sides? 😩 Are stress, pressure, and uncertainty stretching you thin right now?

One thing I really appreciate about Paul is that he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He says it clearly: “We are hard pressed on every side.” He, a man of God, openly and honestly shares that even he didn’t get a free pass through life. So he’s in the same boat as you.

He even says, “We are perplexed.” Oh wow, that’s exactly how I feel again and again. Don’t you too?

But he doesn’t stop with just the hard truth. He speaks the invisible into the visible! He says: “We are perplexed,” but adds, “...but not driven to despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT)

He says: “We are hard pressed on every side,” but adds, “...but we are not crushed.” (see 2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV)

Hold on, he even says: “Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT).

“Okay now Paul, you’re exaggerating,” I want to shout. “How can you say that???” 😲

The answer comes in just another verse: “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT)

Your problems are visible. Your problem-solver is invisible.

And the problem-solver you're supposed to look to makes this promise: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you.” (Isaiah 49:8 NLT)

That day will come, and that’s why you can have hope! 🤩

Yes, your miracle will come your way—so live in hope and joy today!

You are a miracle!

Déborah