Not Crushed!

Yesterday I was brought into contact with a young man who has recently
found himself homeless. It was cold and wet out and he had no shoes.
However, in expressing his need he told me he wasn’t sure what he needed
more -- food or shoes? His hope was that I could help him with one or the
other and I was fortunately able to help him with both the food as well as
shoes and socks. In the course of our conversation (as I drove him from a
local motel to a store) he told me how he couldn’t believe the attitude of
another homeless individual he had talked with, considering himself still
with much for which to be thankful. This young man stated he knew he was
still better off than so many in Africa who have so very little.

As we sat talking, I couldn’t help but think what a time of year to be
down on your luck. Nevertheless, as I listened to this young man I could see
that though he was facing a difficult period in his life, his spirit was not
broken.

What have we complained about recently? What do we allow to crush our
spirit? Are we able to maintain a HOPEFUL PERSPECTIVE regarding life’s
varied situations?

Note Paul’s powerful outlook on life.
“(8) We are afflicted in every way, BUT NOT CRUSHED; perplexed, BUT
NOT DRIVEN TO DESPAIR; (9) persecuted, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; struck down, BUT
NOT DESTROYED;” ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV)

Paul faced some great challenges in his life. However, he was still able
to maintain a HOPEFUL PERSPECTIVE toward life. Like Paul, we need to
continue reflecting on God’s promises so that our spirit will continually be
uplifted. God continues to be fully aware of every aspect of our life.
Things may not always go as we would prefer, but God can bring us through
the difficulties and will ultimately bring us into His glorious presence.
Remember the encouragement of Romans 8:28 regarding our God’s ability.
Regardless of circumstances we have much for which to be thankful. May our
HOPE continue to be centered with God.

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY A SURE HOPE!
Carl

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