How to Deal with Personal Conflict, Part 2

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Paul was “knocked down but not out” as The Living Bible paraphrases the apostle’s struggles (2 Cor. 4:9). It is conflict that drives us to God, exposing the trivial aspects of the Christian life and compelling us to honest, heartfelt interaction with our personal God. There is purpose in turmoil. It is not accidental for we have a sovereign God controlling every circumstance. Paul knew his external dilemmas only caused his inner man to be strengthened for it forced him to rely on Christ daily.

Our weakness is opportunity for Christ’s strength to be demonstrated (2 Cor. 12:9). God does not want to help us in the sense of lending an occasional helping hand but to actually live His life through us by His Spirit. He is within us, and His life is experienced most extravagantly when we depend on Him for our life breath. The wisdom, power, and love of God are fully available to you during your struggles.

Don’t give up. Jesus, the Overcomer, is the One who is with you, for you, and in you. He will not ever leave or forsake you. Let that truth sustain you through your troubles. He is able when you are not.

“Crises bring us face to face with our inadequacy which leads us to the...sufficiency of God.” -Catherine Marshall