Struck Down but NOT Destroyed

by Charles G. Moore

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Being a Christian does not insulate us from the stresses of life. In fact, it is just the opposite. We not only experience life’s challenges, but we also experience attacks from the enemy, Satan, and his minions.

Although the Christian life is not always an easy one, we can take comfort in God and His Word. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 warns us of the trials we will face, but it also gives us the guarantee of victory through Christ.

Today, I want to break down 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and how we can apply it to our lives.

First, let’s look at the struggles.

Afflicted; a problem or illness causing pain or suffering.
troubled, burdened, harassed, oppressed; tormented, pestered, plagued, cursed;

Perplexed; completely baffled; very puzzled.

Persecuted; subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs.

Struck Down; hit with tremendous force, to be knocked down.

When Paul is talking about being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, he is literally talking about getting hit from every side (surrounded).

Life can be like taking a walk on a beautiful winter’s day. We are feeling exhilarated from the cool air, enjoying the day, excited about life and boom! We hit an icy patch and the next thing we know our feet are flying above our head and we end up on the ground in pain.

Even in the midst of suffering, we must know that God has a plan for us. I’m reminded of the Old Testament story of Joseph. It’s the story of a big dream, tremendous affliction and ultimate victory.

God Has A Plan For You (Genesis 37:5-11)

God gave Joseph a dream. A dream of being a great leader, one where not only his family would bow down to him, but even the moon and the stars.

Know that God has a plan for you, too. A plan that may be too big for your family or friends to believe. Maybe it is so big that you are having a hard time believing it yourself.

With a Big Dream, comes Big Opposition.

Satan Has A Trap For You (Genesis 37:18, 21, 28, 39:7-23)

God had a plan for Joseph, but Satan had a trap.

Joseph’s brothers sold him to merchants, who in turn sold him to a high-ranking Egyptian named Potiphar.

Joseph excelled at everything Potiphar asked him to do and Potiphar could see that God was blessing Joseph. Things were looking good for Joseph and then Satan attacked again. Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph and when he resisted her advances, she accused him of attempted rape and Joseph was thrown into prison.

On the surface, it looks as if Satan has won. How can Joseph become a great leader, when his master has cast him into prison?

Satan set a masterful trap for Joseph. One that looked insurmountable.
But God had a Victory planned for Joseph.

God Has A Victory For You (Genesis 39, 40, 41 & 42)

While in prison, Joseph was again blessed by God. He interpreted the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners. Both interpretations proved to be true, and one of the men was later released from jail and restored to his position as the king’s cupbearer. Two years later, the king had some troubling dreams, and the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift of interpretation. The king summoned Joseph and told him of his dreams. Based on Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph predicted seven years of bountiful harvests followed by seven years of severe famine in Egypt and advised the king to begin storing grain in preparation for the coming famine. For his wisdom, Joseph was made a ruler in Egypt, second only to the king.

The story of Joseph continues with the eventual restoration of his family and the completion of God’s plan for his life.

The beautiful thing about 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 is the hope we are left with after each challenge.

Just like Joseph:

You may be struck down, but you are not destroyed!
Life may be surrounding you with unimaginable challenges, but Christ backs you with His Glory!

Satan may be attacking you with his cruelty, but Jesus is protecting you with His Grace!