"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" (2 Cor. 4:8-9).

It is a great blessing to know that, regardless of what we are called upon to face in this life, our God will never abandon us nor allow us to face circumstances that are beyond our ability to endure. We live with the promise of eternal life in the future, but also with the promise of God's help through this life.

Paul faced many hardships as he preached the gospel, but he overcame these obstacles to his faith because of his attitude and perspective.

Paul said that he was "hard-pressed on every side." His adversities came from Jews, Gentiles, false brethren, and natural causes. He faced dangers that were posed by men and the elements. Besides all these physical hardships, there was his "deep concern for all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:24-28). He was troubled by these things, but they did not overwhelm him, crush him, or destroy him.

He was "perplexed" by many things. Even the inspired apostles did not have all the answers. It can be discouraging when we cannot identify the reason behind our sufferings, but this is not a time for us to discard our faith. Paul may not have known all the answers, but he did not give in to "despair" because He knew the God that he served.

Paul was "persecuted" for the cause of Christ. However, this persecution was not an indication that God had abandoned Him. Jesus promised that persecution would come to all of His followers (John 15:18-21; Matt. 5:10-12), but He also promised that He would never forsake those who remain faithful (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6).

Paul was "struck down" in his efforts to preach the gospel. He endured many hardships in his efforts, hardships that could have easily been avoided if he would have stopped preaching the gospel. He was "struck down" by man but not "destroyed" because He who was working in Paul was greater than he who was working against Paul (1 John 4:4).

The path that Jesus sets before us may lead over some rough terrain, but let us remember that there is nothing in this world that can destroy us if we will retain our faith. God has promised to be with us as we journey through this life.