Pressed, but Not Crushed

Devotional week 18

"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 (NIV)

Serving Jesus through our work can be immensely rewarding and profoundly stretching. There’s joy in knowing that our work carries eternal significance and the quiet fulfilment of being God’s ambassador where He is not known. We gain renewed strength when we align our skills with God’s mission. However, there are also moments when the pressure feels unrelenting, especially when we are doing all we can, yet the results remain invisible.

Paul knew this terrain well. He was hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and even struck down; yet, he was not crushed, abandoned, or destroyed. This is one of the miracles of God’s presence in our work. He does not grant us the absence of trouble. Instead, He uses challenges to build resilience and character in us. 

This reminds me of the bamboo tree - a remarkable plant that begins by developing its roots for years before anything breaks through the surface. From the outside, it looks like nothing is happening. But beneath the surface, it’s digging deep, anchoring itself, and building a strong foundation to support its future growth. Then, when the time is right, it shoots upward with astonishing speed.

That is how God often works with us. Like bamboo, you may feel that your efforts are invisible and progress painfully slow. But take heart - He operates in the unseen, deepening your faith, patience, and character roots. The tension and pressure you feel are not signs of failure; they are marks of formation. The Apostle Paul did not merely endure difficulty; he was shaped by it. And so are we. As Christian professionals, our workplace is not just where we perform our job. It is a place where our character is refined. With every difficult decision, every act of unseen obedience, and every time we choose integrity over ease, we lay the groundwork for a harvest that may come suddenly, but only because our roots were first allowed to grow deep.

Stay rooted. Stay faithful. Persevere. Let that be your silent act of worship.

Challenge

Reflect on a part of your work where you feel pressure or experience slow progress. How can you practice perseverance each day, trusting that God is building your character?

Prayer

Lord, You see the weight I carry. You know the moments when I feel stretched, unseen, and overwhelmed. Remind me that I am not alone—that You are working even when I can’t see it. In Jesus’ name,  Amen.