Depressed But Not Destroyed
Posted: 9/18/2019
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)
No one wants to suffer and yet we all will at some point. And we can expect depression and discouragement to set in if we think we have no hope. But trials are not meant to focus on you, but on the sufficiency of Christ in you. Whatever circumstance or trial you find yourself in, the purpose is so that “the life of Jesus may also be revealed” in your life.
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian imprisoned in a German concentration camp during World War II. Through her suffering, she vowed to God that if He allowed her to live, she would go wherever He led her and tell everyone about the love and forgiveness of Christ. Miraculously she obtained a small New Testament from a prison worker and began holding Bible classes by candlelight for a growing group of believers. This group became known throughout the camp as “the crazy people where they have hope.” After ten months of prison and losing her father and sister, Corrie was set free the very week that an order was given to kill the remaining women her age in the camp.
Though Corrie ten Boom could not understand why she had to suffer at the time, looking back she realized that God had used her to give the gift of salvation through Christ to so many before they lost their lives in the camp. Though they endured horrific conditions in prison (and died), they found ultimate freedom and life in Christ. Corrie went on to write nine books and travel all over the world sharing Christ’s message of forgiveness and hope in times of trouble. She wanted everyone to know that Jesus is their only place of refuge.
Perhaps you are trapped in an emotional prison right now; you see no way to escape what feels like unbearable pressure. Your life on this earth may be drawing to a close and fear is setting in. Now is your opportunity to join those “crazy people who have hope” so that “the life of Jesus may also be revealed” in you.
The same Jesus who broke Corrie ten Boom out of a concentration camp can free you from whatever prison you are in.
Heavenly Father, Forgive me for giving up on you when you never give up on me. Remind me that every trial has its purposes and they all point to Jesus in me. Amen
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