Enduring Hardship – 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

. . . we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. . .

Rivers of praise for the Lord flow freely from our mouths when our lives are maintaining some semblance of stability.  Daily struggles and setbacks may come, but our faith in Christ is sufficient to ward off these not so formidable bandits although they are intent on wrenching away our peace and smothering our hope.  We stand with our faces turned into the wind, undaunted, secure upon the Rock of our salvation, demonstrating the Spirit’s sanctifying work within us.

However, we can best measure the depth of our maturity and faith in Jesus Christ when our trials are excessive and our strength depleted.  We truly test our resolve when we feel as though we are falling from the mountaintop, heading for the jagged floor of the canyon.  Will we remain steadfast, believing the Lord is holding our hand to break our fall and keep the rocks from crushing us?[1]  Will we release our struggles into the Lord’s loving care despite desperate circumstances?  Will we trust Him to provide a way for us though we feel as through a sentence of death weighs upon us?

We are wise if we do, for joy and praise can be our battle cry against despair and discouragement even in the midst of one hard and sorrowful trial after another.  For although our burdens may be beyond our own strength and perseverance, we have a trustworthy friend who will carry them for us if we will lay them on His shoulders and leave them there.  He never leaves us or forsakes us.[2]  Rather, He guides us through dangerous passes into the tranquil Meadow of Joyful Endurance,[3] and He fills us with His Holy Spirit who strengthens and sustains us, giving us peace.

Weary, heavy-laden travelers, put your trust and hope in the Lord, God Almighty.  With prayer, fortified by thanksgiving and praise, place everything on the altar before Him, and He will prove Himself faithful to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.[4]  Rest in Him, and He will put a new song in your mouth, a beautiful song of worship to our faithful God.[5]

At times, the way seems dark, unclear

     Confusion’s all around

For joy and laughter slipped away

   Now pain and fear surround

The promises grow dim and vague

   Were they ever really true?

Sunshine seems a distant dream

   Not a ray of light shines through

A hand extended in the dark

   Is grasped and firmly held

Jagged terrain lies smooth ahead

   Each obstacle’s been felled

The troubled mind is soothed and freed

       Fear flees as faith returns

Peace, hope, and love arise again

   With joy, the seeker learns

That one is richer for the walk

   Through valleys deep and hard

The Lord has proved His faithfulness

To bring him through unmarred

[1] Psalm 37:24

[2] Deuteronomy 31:6

[3] Job 5:19-20

[4] Philippians 4:7

[5] Psalm 40:3