But not…

I am writing this missive on Sunday evening as the nation is reeling from yet more perplexing news in our increasingly volatile political climate. Family, we are navigating uncharted waters in unprecedented times.

For a moment, I was overcome by a deep feeling of despair. I talked with family and friends; our conversations filled with more questions than answers. I scrolled through social media which only intensified my despair. I was feeling a bit helpless, wondering about the days ahead. I was all ready to stew in my feelings until the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the words of the Apostle Paul, “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed...” (2 Cor. 4:8-9).

What stood out to me in my meditation were the words but not that followed every experience of hardship. But not is a testimony that God is yet active in our lives. But not is a reminder that hardships are present, but not provident. But not is a confirmation that evil and oppressive forces will never have the last word in the earth because as Jesus told his disciples, “In the world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

So, family, since we are not crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed, let us be of good cheer and continue to do the good work of Jesus which includes liberation and justice on earth as it is in Heaven.

Growing in Christ

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah