“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—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Hard-Pressed but Raised Up!

I couldn’t believe my eyes this beautiful spring morning as I took a walk up my street; many neighbors have the loveliest daffodils for all to enjoy, but one caught my eye in particular. It seemed impossible, but there it was, blooming its little heart out, having pressed its way through the center of a massive chunk of old asphalt. As I examined it more closely, I thought, wow, how could that even happen?

Somehow, some way, finding some small fissure in the rock to press through, the daffodil started reaching upward toward the light of day. And there it was, in full bloom for all to enjoy. Aren’t we ourselves a bit like that lovely flower, as we struggle and fight our way through the complexities of life?

How many times have I felt the emotions that Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians?  Hard-pressed on every side? Check. Perplexed? Check. Struck down? Sure, who hasn’t been? Persecuted? Yes, somewhat. I know I haven’t suffered like our Lord Jesus or the apostle Paul, but in some small yet mysterious way, I feel it, don’t you?

Then I remember the rest of the passage, “always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.” OUCH! And why? “That the life of Jesus also may be manifested in my body.” Wow. Let’s stand back and LET HIM OUT! Shine His light in every dark corner! Be the reason someone else sees Jesus!

Just like that little daffodil pushing its way through solid rock, our Lord Jesus burst from behind a rock on Easter morning. Oh, glorious day! 2 Corinthians 4:14 says, “…knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us…” Now that’s something to get plum happy about!

“Oh, Lord Jesus, how we long to BLOOM in adversity, manifesting a bit of Your kindness, Your love, Your compassion. As we press through hard places, and rocks that won’t budge, help us blossom through the pain and calamities of daily life. Help us remember that Your glorious resurrection is a reminder of our own one day—to be with You forever and ever. Amen!”