“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

This feels like my “verse of the week”. We are all struggling right now, in some way or another. There is such uncertainty, apprehension, and fear. It permeates every part of our daily lives. So far in this “war” I have not been fearful. My husband and I are both still working. We are doing what we can to stay safe and we are staying home. But so many others have lost their jobs, their income and our futures seem very unclear.

• We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.

Do you sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Do you feel alone? Overwhelmed? Over the past couple weeks, I felt a lot of those emotions. Those of us who are working in the essential industries, are overwhelmed and often understaffed. We are doing our best! We get up and go to work at your banks, hospitals, police departments, fire departments, factories. We feel the pressure! But we are not crushed! We continue to strive each day to bring those we are serving a smile as we work desperately to fill the needs of our community.

• …perplexed, but not in despair

Please do not despair! We will get through this trial. God is in control! Give your burdens to God. Talk to him. You don’t have to be afraid. Reach out to your family, your pastor, your friends. I have been through depression. I have even planned out how I would end my life. It is a terrible place to be; when you don’t think your own life matters and everyone else would be better off without you. Do not give the enemy that power! 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

• …persecuted, but not abandoned

Can you imagine how the disciples felt when they watched Jesus being arrested? This Friday we will honor Christ with Good Friday. The darkest day in our Christian history. Jesus was nailed to the cross and he died! I can only imagine how the disciples felt! Did you know that of the 12, only one was at the cross as Jesus died? The rest scattered and hid in fear

• …struck down, but not destroyed

Easter Sunday is the ultimate victory! Jesus was struck down, buried but on the 3^rd day he arose from the grave victorious over sin and death! We too will be victorious over these times. We may be bruised and beaten, but in Christ, we have the victory!

These past two weeks have been hard for me. I have been overwhelmed, frustrated and maybe even angry at times. I have been afraid. But we have so much to look to. God has not abandoned us! We need not be afraid! We all face some uncertainty in the coming days, weeks and months but hold on to the truth! Don’t believe the lie! Easter is coming and Christ has risen from the grave! Praise be to God!