Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
“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 also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 NKJV
In 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, Paul reminds us that God’s presence is unwavering. We can hold onto God’s steadfast presence in our most trying times. When I read these verses this morning, I was filled with gratitude for the seventy-three years that God has graciously given me on this earth amidst God’s steadfast presence. There have been moments when I felt I had reached the end of my journey. However, I’ve come to understand that the road never truly ends when we walk by faith and not by sight. Despite the frailty of my body and the trials it endures, I find profound comfort in the enduring presence of God and His unwavering presence. He has never abandoned me and never will.
God is Always Faithful
God never forsakes us. That’s because God is faithful. Before God formed us, Jesus became one of us in His infinite love and triumphed over death, paving the way for us to inherit eternal life. As difficult as they may be, our struggles and adversities serve as a canvas for Jesus. They reveal His miraculous power, working wonders in and through us. This truth, strengthened by God’s steadfast presence, fills us with hope and inspiration. We know that our hardships are not in vain but rather a part of a greater, transformative plan.
I thought about all my problems and asked myself, Could I handle the suffering and opposition that Paul did? We define success in many ways, and from an earthly viewpoint, Paul was unsuccessful. He spent most of his life in prison defending his encounter with Jesus. Yet, God worked through him and tenaciously used him to impact the entire world for Christ, demonstrating god’s steadfast presence.
Whatever you do for God in terms of work is your ministry. Like Paul, let us continue to work in our ministry and look to God for strength. Remember that no one can destroy what God is doing through you when opposition shows up. This truth should fill us with purpose and determination, knowing that our work for God is not in vain, but rather a part of His continuous plan, underpinned by God’s unwavering presence and god’s steadfast presence.
I thank You, dear Lord, for Your steadfast presence. In Your presence is fullness of joy. Today, I look to You for my strength, that I may represent You in all that I do. Amen.
❤️