Love Said Enough

As I started to reflect on what I am thankful today, love is true.  God is love.  As a child of God, I am thankful to be loved unconditionally.  Without God’s love, I wouldn’t be whole or forgiven.  It hasn’t been an easy journey but I can’t escape the depth of gratitude as I reflect on the cross.  Sometimes, during my weakest moments, I am still amazed how far it reached me, changed me, and uplifted me.  As an abused child who constantly feared rejection, I wouldn’t allow anyone to be close.  If I allowed someone to be close, an opportunity arose to hurt again.  Hurt again!  No, thanks!  I would rather walk alone instead of giving love a chance, although I desperately wanted it.  Love was only possible for the beautiful, smart, or kind people.  Sadly, abuse children will have a of disfigured image of love and truth.  It’s one of Satan’s greatest weapons to destroy who we are or who we can become.  Was Love possible to receive?

In the darkness of my bedroom tears poured down my face, the hurt so deep within.  Could anyone hear my cries?  As I curled in the corner of my room it seemed no comfort could be found.  Deep within my soul, I wondered, “Does anyone really care about me?”  “What’s wrong with me, why can’t anyone just love me?”  Honestly, I wanted to hear it, “I was loved.”  As I shook in my room, God spoke to me, “I LOVE YOU.”  What was so amazing, God didn’t speak in a still small voice, He spoke to me audibly.  As the words hit my heart, it awakens my soul.  Yet, at the moment, I didn’t know who spoke it, so I was just still.  Who was that?  During this time, my father was passed out drunk on his bed sleeping.  So, I knew it wasn’t him.  Who could love me?

      As I started reading the Bible I started to understand my worth, my reason for being, and the love I craved was apparent.    What’s so powerful, love breaks all the barriers if we allow it in.  Yet, I understand the pain for those who “fear” the thought of it.  Fear will always bring chains of punishment, love brings power of deliverance.  Deliverance is needed from the bondage of Satan’s slavery of sin, his lies, and fear.  What’s so amazing, God said, “Enough!”  Although my people run from me, insult me, curse my name, “I LOVE THEM!” So, my Son would will be anointed to bring healing the broken hearted and bind up their wounds.  (Psalm 147:3)  As Jesus ministered, He healed all those who were oppressed by the enemy.  (Acts 10:38)

     Recently, I was on a thread on Facebook with several classmates or alumni’s from college, we were discussing marriage/divorce.  Sadly, some of these precious people have experienced the pain of divorce within ministry, some even shunned from the church.  As I read the conversation, my heart broke for those feeling neglected, especially during painful times.  So, I posted a comment, “Do you remember the woman at the well, she was divorced five times but Jesus went to her.  Also, He used her to bring salvation to her city.”  As the conversation continued, I was brought to tears as a woman said she hated to enter a new church, she had to explain her story again.  So, I posted there is no longer a need to share it, it’s forgiven.  Later, another college student attacked me, “Are you divorced?  How do you know our feelings?  “How dare I tell her not to share, that’s not encouraging?”  So, I remarked back, politely, you have misunderstood my comment.  “Why does she need to share it?”  If she is washed in the blood, she is forgiven.”  She can walk in confidence; God is with her regardless of her past or mistakes.  God has a bright future, her life isn’t over.” “Whatever her past, God will still use her.”

     The woman who attacked me turned her back on the church and God, what heartbreak.  As one of my professors use to say, “Hurting people will hurt others.”  Obviously, this woman was still in pain from an abusive marriage.  She wanted to attack me because she hurt.  So, we spoke privately but she still wanted to attack me.  So, I advised her, “God loves you, He never stopped loving you.”  “He longs to be near you, so I will remind you.”  She responded back, “Have I ever experienced the pain of divorce?”  “No, I haven’t but I have experience a love of God that’s changed my life.”  “As a child, I witnessed two of my father’s wife’s be physically abused, also a sibling.”  “So, I have experienced deep pain but I have experienced a great love.”  As a Christian I will reach out to the hurting, regardless of what it costs.  Our Savior reached out to us and paid the cost, so I must do the same.

     Right after this conversation, I felt I must stay on my pages for ministry to be “safe.”  Sometimes, we don’t want to witness because of the backlash of the hurting but we must.  LOVE IS CALLING OUT, ENOUGH!  Maybe it’s time for the church to quit wanting to be “safe” and reach those who are oppressed of the enemy.  If Jesus was willing, so should we.  My heart is still broken for this young woman, she is being prayed for whether she realizes it or not.  Somehow, I believe God will anoint my words to catch her attention or heal her heart.  So, keep in mind whether we know Christ or not, we all hurt.  We need to be lead to the cross, it’s only through the death of Christ, and we receive life.

     On this earth, we will have hardships, trials, and tests.  However, I am whole, re-born, and my face is uplifted because I belong.  I AM LOVED!  As I allowed Christ to heal the past, my future is so bright.  There is nothing hindering me, God is with me.  So, I close with a thought: We all have sinned or sinned against someone. We all have hurt, we experience. It’s difficult. It's heartbreaking to all involved.  Christ is our example, He minister to the hurting with compassion.  He didn't commit any sins but He was tempted in all ways.  Nevertheless, He didn't leave the hurting behind because He couldn't relate to their sinful deeds.  Jesus showed the love of the Father, so they could find relief, forgiveness, and hope.  As Christians we must encourage others to see their worth, ability to overcome their scars, and reliaze life's potential-God has a brighter future.

It's Just Not Fair

     “It’s not fair!”  As I could hear the heartache in my friend’s voice, I prayed for guidance.  “Tina, I am a good person!”  “I don’t deserve this!”  As we drove down the road, she continued to pour out her heart to me.  Life was pouring adversity upon her with a vengeance; most of it due to someone else’s choices.  It wasn’t fair, it simply wasn’t.  Yet, as my friend continued to pour her heart to me, I continued to drive. 

       “Tina, I am telling you these things because you have a connection with God."  "So, I am asking you to help me, God doesn’t talk to me as He talks to you!"  I said, "Yes, God does speak to you but your heart isn’t quite enough to hear Him."  "He speaks in a still small voice, it’s heard through prayer."  "As you develop a prayer time with God, His voice becomes familiar."  According to the Word, “His sheep know His voice.”  "God will always speak through His Word, with the gentleness of His Spirit, and His children to speak to you."  "At this moment, God is using me to speak to you."  "Yet, what God can speak to your life can change everything."  She cried, “How do I talk to Him?” “Or hear Him?”  I said, “When you get home go into your bedroom with no television, radio, and sit in silence.”  “As you sit quietly in the room, “Just seek Him.”  “He will never turn away anyone who truly desires Him.”  “Don’t you understand why Jesus died?”  “It was to draw you to Himself.”  "When the curtain was ripped in the temple, it opened access for all mankind to enter the most Holy Sacred place, His presence."

We are able to come boldly to the throne to receive grace and help in time of need.  He provided the access, we just have to come.  (Hebrews 4:16)  Draw near to God, He will draw near to you.  (James 4:8)

     As we continued our ride to the church, I could tell God was drawing her to Himself.  Yet, the Lord prompted a Bible character upon my mind.  So, I asked my friend, “Have you ever heard of Hagar?”  “No, who is that?”  It wasn’t long before I realized I hit the target inside her heart with this story.

 Abraham was promised to be the Father of many nations, a promise spoke by God.  Instead of waiting upon God, Abraham’s wife Sarah became impatient.  Sarah had an Egyptian handmaid whose name was Hagar.  Sarah told Abraham to sleep with her, he obeyed.  Hagar conceived a child who she name Ishmael.  As time passes, Sarah does give birth to the promised child, Isaac who would be the one to be used to fulfill the promise.  A great feast was made for Isaac but his brother mocked him.  So, he was kicked out of the house with his mother.  With only a small portion of food and water, Hagar is placed in a terrible mess, one not of her choosing.  She has no protection, only daily nourishment, no husband, and a small child to care for.  Did Hagar ask for all of this?  No, she only did what was asked from her master.  As the water runs out, so does her hope.  Yet, God saw her and heard the boy crying.

     As I told my friend this story tears rushed down upon her cheeks.  God sees the truth, He knows the whole situation.  As God heard the child and saw the fear of a single mother, He came to them.  God spoke peace to comfort the fear, gave promises to her, and provided for her.  (Genesis 21:8-21)  It wasn’t fair what happened to Hagar.  Yet, God didn’t allow those circumstances to hold her down, He walked with her.

     Life isn’t fair at times, it can be hard.  Yet, God is in our midst, He is mighty to save.  We don’t have to be afraid of the circumstances, God will walk with us.  He will open our eyes to see His provisions, protect our steps, and allow us to grow in His care.  Hope glistens in the light, God is light.  Until we listen to the voice of God, we have no direction.  God desires to speak, we just have to listen.  We just have to be still and know He is God.  (Psalm 46:10)

A Love Encounter

        As a parent, I am truly amazed how much time has passed.  It’s passing so fast; I really wish sometimes life had a pause button.  Yet, sometimes the lessons we encounter in life do cause us to pause for what matters.  At the dinner table, I am grateful for a heartfelt conversation with my son.  Although he was afraid to discuss what happened, I am so grateful he did.  Of my three children, he is the most sensitive to the needs of others, he is filled with compassion.  As a child, he would see the hurting and do what he could to help.  I recall a story of my son’s kindness that brings me to tears.  My best friend came over with her son to have a play date.  As we enjoyed adult conversation, the children were playing nicely in the room.  It was a peaceful play date until Jacob, my best friend’s son got hurt.  It wasn’t anything serious, a scrapped knee.  Yet, my son walked over to comfort him with a simple token of love.  Alex, my son, walked over to sit beside him.  As he sat beside Jacob, he shared his most sacred possession, his blanket.  Although the boys were best friends, they were just learning how to talk.  Yet, the love shown between two friends spoke greater than any words.

      As my son has grown, he has never lost his heart of compassion.  It’s not only something I cherish; it’s challenged me with my walk with God.  Compassion demonstrates love; it speaks without words spoken.  Yet, it doesn’t just move the heart of those receiving it; it moves the heart of God.  If we are to walk with Christ, we are to walk in love.  It’s not only proof of who we belong too, its evidence we have been changed from it. 

                2 John 6: “And this is love that we walk in obedience to his commands.  As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

     If our hearts our cold to the hurting, maybe we need to remember our first encounter of God’s love.  Anyone who is saint was once a sinner who was found in a horrible pit of sin and despair.  It wasn’t until a love encounter with God changed everything.  Until a person encounters the depth of God’s love personally, he will not change.  Sadly, so many people hear God loves them but don’t encounter Him.  Sin separates us from a relationship with God but it doesn’t separate us from His love. 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~Romans 5:8

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Why?  Our Father had compassion upon us; He saw the brokenness of sin.  As a child has a scrapped knee cries for their mother, Our Father saw the cries of the affliction of sin, so He acted.  He couldn’t turn away from those He created with tenderness.  As the psalmist says, “He has compassion towards all He made.”  It doesn’t matter what timeframe of history we lived, God has compassion towards all. 

“The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made.  The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” ~Psalm 145:13b-14

     No matter what your circumstances of life, life may not be fair at the moment.  It’s dark, unsure, and lonely until a love encounter with God occurs.  Although life may be dark; God is light.  He desires to lead you to peaceful pastures for your soul.  (Psalm 23)  Life can bring has some uncertainties, He is constant.  He doesn’t change.  If loneliness surrounds your heart; call upon Him.  His presence will come; He has never ignored those who call.  Maybe you have never prayed to God, so you are unsure what to say.  It doesn’t have to be great words to get His attention; it just has to come from the heart.  A heart completely honest, sincere, and if it’s broken that’s alright.  He is in the business of restoration; it’s what the love encounter is all about. 

Weep, Mourn, Pray

 When tragedy strikes the heart, it causes us to fall to our knees.  We are not able to stand strong upon our own strength, we are humbled.  As we are humbled, our hearts are broken before God so we weep.  As the tears fall upon the ground, we become completely empty of ourselves.  When a vessel is completely empty; it’s the only time it can be filled.  We can’t touch people if our eyes are upon ourselves; we touch them when we see their deepest need within their lives.  Yet, do we see the needs around us?  Have our hearts become so calloused to the cries of the broken? Or are we overwhelmed with the destruction?    



     If we truly want to change the world, we have to be broken over the destruction of their lives.  Do we see the weapons or bondage upon people’s lives?  Or do we see just problems?  Problems we are unwilling to solve or change because we don’t have the oil or wine to provide.  Our wells have run dry, so we have nothing to offer to quench the thirst.  Instead, we shaking our heads or speaking words of condemnation, we refused to be involved or believe it’s “someone else’s” problem.  So, the broken stay bond, the battle keeps raging, and God’s heart keeps bleeding.  When will this merry-go-round stop?  It will only stop when it breaks us to the center of our soul. 

 “Let tears flow from my eyes, let them pour out night and day, never let them stop.  The people of my nation have suffered a terrible wound; they have been crushed.” Jeremiah 14:17

     Although Jeremiah prophesied the capture of the Israelites it wasn’t easy to see it fulfilled.  Besides part of the temple being destroyed, capture of his people, the walls surrounding Jerusalem are destroyed.  As he overhears the casual conversation of his kinsmen share the disbelieving news, it gripped the heart of him.

Nehemiah 1:4 “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed to the God of Heaven.”

     Instead of shaking his head and continuing on with his royal duties of comfort, Nehemiah was floored.  Have you ever received terrible news that knocks the breath out of your chest?  Or that you had to sit down it was too overwhelming to fathom.    Well, this is the man Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was broken for his people, his nation and inheritance because he was a patriotic Jew.   When Nehemiah hears the words of the destruction, he is overwhelmed.  He has to sit down; it’s too much to take in.  In fact, he is so overwhelmed his heart is broken, he weeps.  A person isn’t weak for weeping it causes the heart to melt for change.  A weeping hurt touches the troubles of another soul, it shows compassion.  Jesus wept.  He was touched with their sorrow, so he felt their pain.  What’s truly missing is a heart of sorrow for people.   Sorrow is defined as a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by one or others.  Sorrow must be felt in order for change to occur. 

      II Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret but worldly sorrow brings death.” 

Although Nehemiah weeps over the destruction of his people, it causes a deeper stir within his heart.  He mourns over them.  It’s not a simple grief; it’s a sorrowful heart that continues for days.  It causes his heart to surrender to prayer and fasting which is the key to complete transformation.  If transformation comes, it’s birthed in prayer as Nehemiah who prayed for four months for his people.  In other words, the call of God wouldn’t release Nehemiah from turning away.  Nehemiah was so distraught and broken; he couldn’t perform his responsibilities with joy.  Besides being his death for brings sorrows before the king, he couldn’t be restored until his nation was restored. 

    When Solomon’s temple was created it took seven years to complete, some of the areas were twenty stories high.  Yet, Nehemiah who was never a construction worker rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem within 52 days.  When the walls of Jerusalem were completed, she was restored except for a king.  Every aspect of the city its economy, worship, and the buildings were restored to prepare for a greater opportunity-the coming of the Messiah. 

One man was moved by the tragedy of his people, so he acted.  He didn't allow the tragedy to overwhelm him; He went to the Rock who is higher.  We must be broken before God, so He can empower us to do something we may have never done before.  Faith is the key to turn a tragedy into a triumph.

Preparation Ground

     The moment we are born we are in the process of dying, life is the journey between it.   Life is a journey whether good or bad, it’s has tremendous opportunities to learn from.  Some lessons are repeated because we are too stubborn to either repent or change.  So, instead of getting to the destination, we are planted firmly in the desert.  Nevertheless, the desert has a beautiful purpose, its preparation ground.   

     Besides being dry, covered with sand, and extremely hot the desert has purpose.  The desert causes us to crave water; it makes us to die to ourselves, and prepares us for the Lord’s purpose.  The journey to the Promise Land wasn’t a delay in God’s Word; it was Israel learning to rely upon it.  Whether it was the water from the rock, manna from Heaven, or walking with God’s presence (Pillar of Fire at night/Cloud by Day) Israel had to learn to trust God.  Although Israel made some terrible choices, God remained faithful to His people.  God never departed from them; He walked with them to the Promised Land.  Deuteronomy 29:5 "During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet." Some lessons are easily learned, others we have to be cracked over the head.  Pride and stubbornness truly caused major delays in Israel getting their promise.  It doesn’t mean God never corrected them, He did. 

     On the other hand, the desert doesn’t mean it has to do with being corrected.  According to the Word, the Spirit led Christ into the desert.   In the desert, Christ was tempted by the enemy.  (Matthew 4:1-11) Satan came to entice Christ to sin, forsake His purpose, and His mission.  Yet, Christ overcome it all, His faith stood the test, so we could overcome whatever obstacle Satan throws.  So the desert will prepare us for the work of the Lord.  After Christ was tempted, He was able start His public ministry.  So, if you are in the desert, allow the Spirit to empower you, draw you closer, and prepare your heart. The desert is only preparation ground, so wait on Him. Don't get impatient!

     Our faith will be tested; we will go through the fire.  Yet, we will not be burned.  As the three Hebrew men stood in the fiery furnace, a fourth man stood in their midst.  All of the Hebrew men came out of it unharmed, without smelling like fire, and victorious over their enemy. 

Daniel 3:26-27, "Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnance and shourted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come out!  So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them.  They saw tht the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scrorched, and there was no smell of fire on them."

       The desert must cause us to hunger for the water, the living water.  It’s only through the desert; we learn who our source-Jesus is.  We will never be led anywhere without the Spirit, He is our comforter.  Yet, we must learn to come to the end of ourselves, so Christ can shine.  So, don’t be upset about the desert, realize you are being prepared for God’s purpose.  It’s just time to become an empty vessel, He can fill. 

Chosen By God

During gym class or childhood games, many of us can recall two children selecting who would be the best for their teams.  As each child was called out, it usually was from the strongest to the weakest.  Or the most popular to the unpopular child, those dreadful times of waiting to be selected.  Can you recall those innocent prayers?  Oh, Lord!  Please don’t let Suzie be on our team or don’t let them pick me.  On the other hand, the last child remaining would have painful questions what is wrong with me?  Why am I always the last one selected?   

Rejection is one of the hardest pains to overcome; it eats away at our hearts.  The inner turmoil of questions rips the heart piece by piece trying to investigate the cause.  It’s one of Satan’s strongest weapons to diminish our self-image and our identity in Christ.  If he can cause us to doubt our worth, we become confused, powerless, and hopeless.  If we walk in the confidence of Christ, we walk victorious.  So, I wanted to share something with you, God has precious thoughts towards us.  Oh, I don’t think you know about my past or my weaknesses.  God can’t have precious thoughts towards me.

      Regardless of what time period on this earth we live, we are chosen by God to dwell with Him.  Our Heavenly Father’s complete pleasure is adopting us to be His children.  No one was created as an accident, a misfit, or a mistake in the sight of God.  Although we come to Christ in our sin, we can be transformed to a holy and blameless life so we can resemble our Father.   May this truth enter your heart, God PREDESTINED US TO BELONG TO HIM.  We belong.  YOU BELONG! Nevertheless, God not only predestined us to belong to Him but to complete His will.  We are not without a home or a purpose on this earth, God is my Shalom.

What’s so amazing, I once didn’t belong to anyone even my own family.  Besides being rejected by my peers, my family didn’t see any promising potential.  It’s sad but true.  This nagging emptiness didn’t fade until I accepted the Lord as my personal Savior.  In His presence, I belong.  The world can completely pass me by or melt away but my soul will boast in the Lord.  Regardless of the battles of life, I am thankful I belong.  As a child of God, my heritage is secure with a seal from the Holy Spirit.  On the day of redemption, I will inherit my heritage-eternal life.

Sadly, some people never know who they are or where life will lead them.  I admit, I don’t have life all figured out but I have the most important part complete.  I am a child of God.  Since I belong to Him, I have life and a wonderful future ahead whether on earth or in Heaven.  If that doesn’t make one thankful, I don’t know what else would.

 

Ephesians 1:4 states, “For he choose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

Someone's At The Front Door

     When life is pressing hard against you, press hard into the presence of God.  It’s the only solution to overcome the trials of life.  When the trials hit us hard, we sometimes doubt God’s care or the truth of what is embedded in our heart.  Yet, the truth of God’s Word will always anchor our spirit. 

     A few years ago, I can recall one of the darkest periods of my life.  Regardless of what direction, all areas of my life were attacked.  First, it started with my job, overtime was no longer allowed.  So, I had to get a part-time job to supplement our income.  Second, my husband who was perfectly healthy had to have surgery.  Next, we had a flood inside our house causing major damaged to our home.  Both vehicles had some need of repair and the kids were sick, one needing medical attention.  Besides my family, I got a muscle spasm in my back which caused me not to be able to hardly walk for three months.  Lastly, my full-time job laid me off after five years of service, so I only had my part-time job.  With no job, savings depleted, my family unhealthy, I admit my hope was almost gone.

     In the midst of all the turmoil, my heart was completely overwhelmed.  Without medical insurance, we had to use up our savings.  Our home insurance covered most of the damages but we didn’t have the funds to finish it.  My husband’s recovery from surgery was quick, so he was able to aid me to recovery.  All of the children were healthy again but it was mom who needed medical help.  As the months passed, I was able to walk again through physical therapy.  Also, I was able to find another job but it was a major cut in pay.  As we gained our lives back, it was difficult to stand in the midst of the storm.

     During one night, I just lay upon my bed and wept before God.  No words could be uttered, only groans.  My soul was so perplexed, torn, and afraid.  Truly, I was grateful for the Holy Spirit who prayed through me, I just didn’t have the words. 

     When our faith is tested, it will truly show what we believe.  All I could hold onto was the past experiences of God’s deliverances within my life.  If God delivered before, He can do it again.  Day and night, I would cry to God, my heart was weak.  Have you ever been there?

     It usually during those moments, it seems as if Satan is trying to destroy us.  We can see the fiery darts but we are too weak to hold up the shield.  As the battle gets hotter, we find we have no more artillery.  May I remind you, the battle is the Lord’s!  Where does our help come from?  The Maker of Heaven and Earth. (Psalm 121:2-3)  Whom shall I fear?  If an army besieges me, even then I will be confident in God’s right hand.  (Psalm 27:1-3)

          One of my favorite stories is found in 2 Kings 6:15-17, a marvelous story of God’s care of His children.  Elisha was a prophet of God who was mightily used for the protection of Israel.  An evil king of Aram desired to destroy Israel but God advised Elisha of his battle plans.  So, when the king of Aram tried to attack, Israel was already prepared.  The king couldn’t get the upper hand, so he tried to find out their secret-it was the prophet Elisha.  Yet, the king felt that he had a traitor within his midst so he questioned them.  As he found out Israel’s secret, he decided to destroy Elisha.  Well, if that’s not a target on one’s back, I don’t know what is.  While the enemy was preparing to attack Elisha, he had no idea.  Elisha had a marvelous night sleep, so he gets up to find an army at his front door and the city.  As Elisha’s servant cries out in fear, he stands confident of God’s protection.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered.  “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ~ 2 Kings 6:16   

     The enemy wants us to be afraid of his words, his tactics, and his army.  He will try to surround us but he will never defeat us.  God doesn’t slumber or sleep, He is completely prepared to protect His children.  As Elisha prayed for the servant, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”~2 Kings 6:17

     Although the enemy may have you surrounded, I pray God opens your eyes to see the chariots of fire surrounding you.  He will always protect, lift you up, and go into battle for you.  God never prepares His children for failure but for success.  Right now, it may seem as if the world is caving but if it does, I am on the Rock!  All of the rocks may fall down but God is building a mountain for to climb. 

     We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:8-9