2 Corinthians 4:8–9 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Life doesn’t always make sense. Sometimes you do everything “right,” yet hardship still comes knocking. That’s what Paul meant when he said, “we are perplexed.” The word paints a picture of being without a way—confused, uncertain, not knowing what to do next. But then he adds something powerful: “but not in despair.” That’s the difference Christian hope makes.
Paul reminds us that we may feel overwhelmed, but we are not abandoned. We may be knocked down, but we are not knocked out. Life will perplex you, and faith doesn’t always bring answers right away—but it does bring confidence that God is still at work. Even when you can’t see the full picture, you know the Painter. Hope doesn’t erase confusion, but it outlasts it. Keep walking forward—even if it’s with a limp and tears in your eyes—because hope whispers, “God is still with you.”
Bible Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, Isaiah 55:8–9, Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:28, John 16:33