2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.

Especially as believers we will walk the road that is less traveled and hard at times.

We will face countless threats from every side as the enemy is determined to destroy us, as God has called us  to bring the good message of salvation through Christ to all the nations.

This makes me think of how olive oil is made..

The olive goes through a pressing stage, for the oil to be squeezed out.

The olive is hardly pressed, but not crushed.

In the same way, we are pressed, persecuted, and struck down by the enemy, because God has anointed us as His people.

As His people we should never give up, never give in and never surrender to the enemy.

We are made more that conquerors through Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37 (NIV)

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

It is because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that we can be steadfast, knowing that every battle we face has already been won by our Lord Jesus Christ who lives in us.