We Are Hard Pressed
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Listen to the "Verse by Verse" episode covering this scripture.
The apostle Paul told the Corinthians about the incredible glory of God that he was privileged to preach, but he recognized that he himself was just made of the earth and temporary. Thus the power and glory are clearly from God, not the human messenger (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).
As a servant of God, Paul endured severe trials, but he was not hopeless since he knew God will not forsake us. Paul was literally struck down and left for dead in Lystra, but God spared his life (Acts 14:19-20).
Paul’s example and God’s promises help us to see that no matter how dark and difficult our trials become, God will see us through.
For more encouraging scriptures, see our section with “Encouraging Bible Verses.” For more about how to endure trials, see “Run With Endurance.”
