When Scripture Becomes Real

      There are times in our life when Scripture really seems to jump off the pages and into our hearts at full gallop and such was the case recently when a friend sent me a poem she had written and also the Bible reference she drew it from.  Here is what Teri Peterson, a dear friend, sent to me                                     

“Let me see with eyes like Yours,

Not blinded by the world.

Keep my faith growing, Lord,

Like a flag unfurled.

Make me in Your image, and

equip me for each task.

Be available to me, every

time I ask.

Afflicted but not crushed, O Lord,

Perplexed but not despairing.

Persecuted but not forsaken,

Because You are ever caring.

Even when struck down, O Lord, I

will not be destroyed. 

For when I trust and call on You

Your Word will not return void!”   (Taken from 2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

     The poem could not have come at more appropriate time for me as I considered Paul’s description of what he had been through.  I love the way he begins these verses giving all glory to God:  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  In the Bible, Paul says he was  "afflicted but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”  All this was so that others could see the life of Christ in him.

     Personally, I did not suffer the many persecutions or afflictions that Paul endured but I was struck down in my heart when my husband suddenly died.  Then, when I fell and broke my hip, I could say I was afflicted but not crushed.  What a timely message this was for me when I considered the events of my life.  Through the hardships of life, we, as believers, are to show forth the glory of God because we know that we will not escape this life without facing trials and tribulations just as Jesus told us.

     Even in the loss of spouse, a broken bone and surgery, there is the comfort of Jesus Christ and the everlasting arms holding us up.  Paul didn’t quit even after being stoned, imprisoned and beaten.  He persevered for the glory of the Lord that others might know Christ and His saving power.  

      Indeed, I have been slowed down with surgery and my heart grieves for the loss of the one I loved, but I haven’t been destroyed or crushed.  God has provided in so many ways with Christian friends, family and fellowship that I must keep on for the glory of the Lord until He calls me home.  My friend, Teri, did me a great service by sharing her poem and Scripture with me that I might be encouraged.  As Hebrews 10:25 reminds us:  “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  This is our job to encourage one another for this life is filled with many heartaches but Christ has overcome the world!  Selah!