II Cor. 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Paul’s words strike a cord that believers can emulate as he speaks of the trials and troubles he and his fellow companions had to endure as they journeyed three times around the known world of Christ’s time bringing the gospel to people of all nations and planting churches in cities along the way. We know that Paul frequently suffered physical hardships such as beatings, imprisonment, even being stoned near to death. We know that he would be shipwrecked twice. Despite all of this, Paul contends “this” may have happened “but” that didn’t. I was hurt but it could have been worse. I was frustrated and downtrodden but I never became depressed. Although I was tortured, I was never abandoned by God. And though I may have been beaten down, I’m still alive and able to do God’s will. In essence, what he said was “It could have been worse”. In life we too can say “it could have been worse”. No matter how bad our circumstances, it is not too difficult to find someone who is in greater need than we are. It is not too hard to find someone with less than we have. It is not impossible to find someone whose life is far worse than our own.

Pray: “Dear Father, how fortunate I am when I see the great need and misfortune of others. How fortunate I am that I know I have you on my side to bring me through these things when others have noone to place their hope in. Thank you, Father, that no matter how bad things may be, it is not permanent and I am so much more blessed than so many others. In Jesus’ name I thank you, Lord - Amen.”