"struck down, but not destroyed.” ~2 Corinthians 4:8-9

”We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” ~2 Corinthians 4:8-9

As I read this, my thoughts went to Jesus. Paul was hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. But it was Jesus who was crushed, in despair, abandoned and destroyed - all for us. He gave up His heavenly glory to live in an earth suit, suffering everything that we do, understanding and experiencing the humanity He created.

He is the answer to every horrible situation because He lived through each Himself. Check out these verses as they detail His suffering and progress to His saving grace.

Isaiah 53:3;5  “He was despised and rejected by people. He was a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. He was despised like one from whom people turn their faces, and we didn't consider Him to be worth anything. But it was for our sins He was wounded, and for our evil doings He was crushed: He took the punishment by which we have peace, and by His wounds we are made well. ”

Matthew 27:46b “"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

Psalm 34:18  “The LORD is near to those whose hearts are humble. He saves those whose spirits are crushed.”

Hebrews 13:5b “He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Thank you, Lord. Words are inadequate to show our gratitude. We are thankful that You can look into our hearts to see all the emotion that we cannot express. Impress on us how great You are!