Pressure. Everyone faces it, and few enjoy it. For most, pressure is something to be endured rather than an opportunity to be embraced. Yet the apostle Paul offered a nuanced perspective that challenges this. Because our weakness puts the power of God on display, the only explanation for our survival despite being “hard-pressed,“ “perplexed,“ “persecuted,“ and “struck down” is the supernatural work of God. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead not only guarantees our future resurrection but also enables us to withstand the daily pressures of life. Despite the appearance of defeat, God’s promises of heavenly victory remain true. Temporary suffering can not diminish eternal reward.
