Struck down but not destroyed

       Life is filled with ups and downs.   Elijah had a bout with being “down” just after his Mt Carmel experience.  Threatened by Jezebel he ran for his life, and kept on running until in exhaustion he wanted to die.  Here’s one prayer we’re glad God didn’t answer.  He was “down” but not “out.”  Father God was not finished with him yet.  Father God knew exactly what to do to get him back “up” and moving in a good direction.  He always knows what we need.

     I want to learn how to avoid the “downs” as much as possible.  Often I get “down” because my focus is on me – my wants, my desires, my needs.  I lose sight of Father God and others He has called me to serve.  Unless I change my focus, my “down” will turn to discouragement and even despair.

    I want to mature to the level of the Apostle Paul.  He declared that in his life and ministry he was “afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”  (2 Cor. 4:8,9)  May the Father grow me whether “up” or “down.”