What to do When Your Back is Against the Wall

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Insights: Before we look at our passage from Nehemiah this week, we need to look at a promise from the New Testament.  It is especially important for Christ-followers to understand they are not the treasure, but rather the clay pot which holds the treasure.  The treasure is Christ Jesus who we ALWAYS carry with us.  The point of carrying Jesus with us is so we can share Him with others.  We call this proclaiming the gospel or witnessing.  We are witnesses to the life changing power of the gospel because Jesus manifests Himself in our bodies.  It is because of this life change that the promise found in this passage is so crucial to the Christian walk.  Notice with me how Paul described what the life of a pot was like.  The life of a Believer is afflicted in every way, but the promise is we are not crushed by such affliction.  Believers are perplexed at the world’s response to the gospel, but the promise is we are not despairing.  Christ-followers are persecuted, but the promise is we are not forsaken.  Jesus’ lasts words on earth were that He would never leave us or forsake us.  Pilgrims of the faith are struck down, but the promise is we are not destroyed.  These promises are vital for one pursuing a love relationship with Jesus.  Life is going to happen.  Our backs are going to be up against the wall.  In spite of all that happens, Jesus is ALWAYS with us.  We carrying Him around everywhere we go if we are born again.  Jesus does not promise to rescue us from the affliction, the perplexities of life, the persecution, or from being struck down, but He does promise to be with us giving us His surpassing greatness and power so that we may endure through the days of difficulty.  Your back may be against the wall do to health issues, or decisions you need to make, or it might actually be physical people causing disturbances.  Whatever it is, Jesus is with you, if you are born again!

Questions:

1. Are you sharing the treasure of the gospel to those around you?
2. Are you allowing God to display His surpassing greatness in your life as you face obstacles?

Prayer: Father, let my life be a light in this dark world for You.  Let Christ in me, the hope of glory, work through me to magnify Your surpassing greatness.  Grant me the courage to face the obstacles in life and still point others to Your love and grace.  Amen.