Down – But Not Out


He had been knocked down many times, but never had he been knocked out.

And he wanted the other Christians to know it – and follow his example.

Of course, I am speaking of Paul. And, of course, if you are familiar with his epistles, you know that I am referring to 2 Corinthians. It was from people in this church that he had received harsh and unjust criticism. Some had even gone so far as to allege that he was in ministry for the sake of pride and influence, perhaps to gain wealth.

You really have to wonder why anyone would say such things. Was it jealousy? Perhaps someone disliked the message Paul presented. He might then have decided that since he couldn’t change the message, the messenger would have to go.

“Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked long and hard, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27, NLT).

I can hear someone say now – “Hey Paul, if you had more faith these things would not have happened to you. Just think about a new chariot and a healthy, young horse to pull it. If you don’t envision it, you’ll never have it.”

That kind of attitude is exactly what his enemies had developed. His only crime, if I can figuratively say it, is that he chose to faithfully pursue and complete his calling from God.

The attitude of keeping on and of keeping the faith is becoming lost to contemporary American Christians. We in the Western world have become accustomed to instant gratification. Consequently, we easily put aside long term gain, which may invite inconvenience or discomfort. The value of persevering through difficulties is lost. Everything has to be quick, fast, instant. And easy.

The fact is, it takes time to cultivate the spiritual graces. God is very interested in seeing spiritual values developed in our lives, and He is in no hurry.

We can all be very glad that Paul, the Apostle, chose not to seek sympathy from others, did not exaggerate his victimization, and did not retreat from adversary. He was neither interested in instant gratification nor in doing things the easy way. Had he been a 21st Century American, he might have done just that. But he chose to be courageous and to persevere in the face of difficulties. We are the beneficiaries.

Does life seem difficult for you right now? If so, may you gain strength from the same source as did Paul. Persevere through troubles, knowing that the living God is with you. He is using any difficulty you may face to develop spiritual values and Christian graces.

Its okay to get knocked down, but don’t let yourself be knocked out.