Victory: Struck Down But Not Destroyed

Friday, May 11, 2018

We are afflicted in every way but not crushed;
we are perplexed but not in despair;
we are persecuted but not abandoned;
we are struck down but not destroyed.
II Corinthians 4:8-9

Have you ever been struck down because of your faith? Perhaps you may never have experienced physical blows but what about verbal or emotional ones? Jesus experienced them all.

When he was arrested, Jesus' best friends delivered an emotional blow by deserting him. Peter denied even knowing him. The people in the court conjured up all kinds of lies against him. And he was even beaten to within an inch of his life. 

Satan thought he was getting the upper hand that day when he saw Jesus nailed to the cross and lifted up to his eventual death. He struck him down all right. Little did Satan know, though, that Jesus was not destroyed!

Up from the grave he arose,

With a mighty triumph o'er his foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain,

And he lives forever with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah, Christ arose!

by Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

Lord, no matter how we are struck down today, help us to look to you for encouragement. We claim your victory over Satan and know that you will never allow us to be destroyed. Jesus is the perfect example. Thank you.

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