The Journey of Struggle

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; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then, DEATH is working in us, but life in you. . . Therefore, DO NOT LOSE HEART. Even though the outward man is persisting, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. . . . the things which are not seen are eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:8-18)

"Manifest" is a strange word today, carrying the meaning of obvious, displayed, demonstrated, and noticed, among other meanings. Here Paul tells us that our struggles are actually revealing the Christ in us to others. As we stay faithful through the many challenges of life, Jesus' power is demonstrated through our actions. As we allow Christ to work in and through us, though we may not see any good coming from our trials and tests, others are witnessing the obvious presence of God before their very eyes! Don't give up . . . Don't give in . . . It's too late to quit now. We have been through too much! Jesus did not quit when faced with the cross. He envisioned pain, suffering, and more than we could even imagine as He looked to His death, yet He saw further to the resurrection and our salvation! Paul saw His suffering as gain as he made every effort to reach folks for the sake of Christ. Whatever we face, we must remember it is for a greater good . . . to lead others to the Savior we know, love and serve! Believe me, the struggle is worth it!!!!! www.tsninthebeginning.blogspot.com