Troubled But Not Forsaken
“We may be troubled side by side,
But God is always on our side.”
How will you know when you’re truly connecting with Christ and allowing him to work in and through you? As Paul says, you’ll be afflicted but not crushed — that is, in the midst of life’s turmoil, you won’t sink into despair.
As we journey through life’s trials — whether they be personal struggles, global crises, or unforeseen hardships — we encounter moments that threaten to shatter our faith and leave us feeling forsaken. However, amidst the chaos, a timeless truth emerges: We might be troubled, but we are never truly abandoned. This assurance is beautifully summed up in the words of 2 Corinthians 4:9, where the apostle Paul proclaims, “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Life’s adversities are not a foreign concept in the Christian journey. Jesus Himself warned of trials and tribulations in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
The fallen condition of the world assures us that difficulties will knock on our door. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standpoint, to “be of good cheer” — one that surpasses temporary infirmities. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
We have strength in weakness, as 2 Corinthians 4:7–9 proclaims: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” — God allows trials to reveal His strength in our weaknesses.
God promises to be with us, even in trouble, as He did with the Israelites, dispelling the darkness of feeling forsaken and guiding us through the valley of obstacles. Deuteronomy 31:6 reassures us, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Hebrews 12:2 directs our watch to Jesus, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus’ unwavering endurance in the face of extreme suffering is our ultimate inspiration.
He conquered the cross and conquered forsakenness, despising the spit and shame, the stripes and beatings, and the wounds and bloodshed therein. He did it all for you and me, leaving us an example of how to endure our trials with hope.
Brethren, in our troubled lives, we find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God’s presence is unwavering. Remembering Corinthians 4:9, we grasp that, though we face troubles, we are never forsaken. This truth points us directly to the One who faced the ultimate forsakenness on the cross, yet overcame it — Jesus Christ.
We may navigate life’s storms, knowing Jesus is with us, as He promises, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” — Matthew 28:20
