Daily Devotionals

Gaining Strength Through Struggles

Posted in Hope

Scripture: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Throughout our lives, we all experience obstacles that we have to overcome. Sometimes it feels like these obstacles are helping us grow, and sometimes it feels like all they do is impede our progress.

This summer as an Eastminster Experience (E2) intern, I had the opportunity to help with COMPASS, which is a High School mission trip. We worked alongside Home Works of America to help repair Ms. Doreen’s roof. During the course of our work, I sat to listen to her story. She was faced with multiple obstacles throughout her life. Instead of letting them tear her down, she used them as an opportunity to strengthen her relationship with God.

Ms. Doreen shared that she was in an abusive relationship for a few years before she was able to break free. Rather than feeling defeated, she then opened her arms and took in a few neighborhood children who were struggling. She provided them with a safe place to live and an education.

As reflected through today’s scripture, Ms. Doreen too was hard pressed from every side, but she was not crushed. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

She showed the children she took in that although they were persecuted, they were not abandoned because they had her and, more importantly, they had God.

God never promises us that life will be easy. He is going to challenge us, and obstacles will be found along our path. However, when we keep our eyes on God, our strength will be restored. Our hope will always be found in him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for being there for us in times of need. Help give us the strength to overcome the obstacles in our lives. Allow us to trust in you and take your guiding hand. When I am struggling, let me be reminded that you have a plan for all of us. In your name we pray, Amen. 

Submitted by DuPre Eaddy, E2 Intern 
(DuPre is a rising junior at Clemson University, and the daughter of Zan & Paul Eaddy.)