We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

God uses the fiery trials we go through in life to manifest Himself in our mortal body. Paul was telling us two things that happened in trying times or persecution. Paul was talking about the state of his inward man(his spirit )and the state of the outward man(his flesh).

His inward man was being renewed in strength but the outward man was getting weary.

Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.” ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

The state of our inward man in warfare will determine the outcome of the war and not the opposite. That is why our focus should not base on our physical challenges but our focus should be base on what God is
doing in the inside to effect a change in the outside (outward man) and  our physical challenges or circumstances.

For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!], Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

We should remember it is not in our ability to change our situation but is in the power of God within us that’s why we must learn to rely on God not in our ability. Hence our faith should be build in our victory we have in Christ and nothing else irrespective of our physical challenges or circumstances in Jesus name.

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word. Thank You Lord for using my challenges to manifest Yourself in my flesh and my circumstances in Jesus name. Amen.