2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV) Pressed, Persecuted, But Never Defeated

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)

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;

What a list of contrasts these are. The Apostle, as our teacher and example—especially for those in the ministry—admits difficulty but then proclaims victory over it.

• Troubled — not distressed
• Perplexed — not in despair
• Persecuted — not forsaken
• Cast down — not destroyed

I want to spend some time on just one of these contrasts: Perplexed, but not in despair.

Perplexed—boy, can I relate! The word means to be at a loss (especially mentally). I’ve found myself at a loss as to the next step so many times I couldn’t begin to tell them all.

• I’ve been at a loss as to where the next dollar to feed my family would come from.
• I’ve been at a loss for how to answer questions from those set on rejecting the gospel.
• I’ve been at a loss as to what counsel to give a professing Christian couple bent on destroying their marriage.
• I’ve been at a loss how to respond to pastors more interested in the growth of their church than in honesty, integrity, and the glory of God.

Perplexed—the word fairly defines life on this fallen planet and in this corrupted flesh.

The Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God (never forget these are the very words of God—Paul is only the “color of the ink,” not the author of the text), admits that he is often—perhaps always—perplexed.

Oh, but then the counter: “but not in despair.”

This phrase means not utterly at a loss. Almost, but not completely. Close, but not quite. On the edge, but never over the edge. Paul was frequently brought to the place where he had no clue what the next step, the next word, or the next decision ought to be—but in the end, God always came through.

• I didn’t know where the next dollar would come from—but it came.
• I didn’t know how to answer those who rejected the gospel—but some accepted.
• I didn’t know what counsel to give to Christian couples—but answers came, and marriages were saved.
• I didn’t know how to respond to self-centered “men of God”—but God gave me friends in the ministry.

I am reminded that 666 is the mark of the beast and the number of man (Revelation 13:16–18). Six hundred sixty-six—just shy of seven, the number of perfection. The number of completion. The number of God.

The world, the flesh, and the devil—though powerful and intimidating—always fall short of their goal. They can never defeat the Lord. And thus, they can never defeat the child of God, though sometimes it appears they might.

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.

#PerplexedButNotInDespair #GodIsFaithful #VictoryInChrist #NeverForsaken #PressedButNotBroken

Pressed, Persecuted, But Never Defeated: Four crushing blows, four glorious triumphs through Christ.

💥 Life can leave you at a loss—but God never does. 💥

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or like you’re walking a tightrope with no safety net, you’re not alone. The Apostle Paul knew that feeling—and he also knew the victory that comes from trusting God through the perplexity.

👉 Action Step: Reach out to someone today—send a message, make a call, or pray with them. Be the voice of God’s hope in someone else’s moment of confusion.

📖 Question for You: What has God brought you through that once had you completely perplexed?
📩 Share in the comments below—and encourage someone who’s right there right now.

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2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV) Pressed, Persecuted, But Never Defeated