Rising Again: God's Grace in Our Struggles
Summary
Life is not a fantasy, and faith does not shield us from the real troubles, perplexities, persecutions, and moments of being cast down that we all face. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, is honest about the hardships he endured—he doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of suffering. Yet, he draws a line between being troubled and being distressed, between being perplexed and being in despair, between being persecuted and being forsaken, and between being cast down and being destroyed. The difference is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of God’s sustaining grace and power.
Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern: God’s people are often knocked down, but never left to be destroyed. David cried out from the depths of a horrible pit and miry clay, yet God lifted him up and set his feet on a rock. Jonah went down, down, down—into the ship, into the sea, into the belly of the whale—yet when he prayed, God brought him back up and restored his mission. The devil is a “throwing down” adversary, but our God is a “lifting up” Savior. No matter how low we go, God’s reach is lower still, and His power to restore is greater than any force that seeks to keep us down.
It’s not shameful to admit you’ve been knocked down. Paul himself was both a persecutor and persecuted, and he knew what it was to be struck down. The righteous may fall seven times, but they rise again. The key is not to avoid every fall, but to refuse to stay down. The enemy wants to convince us that we are forsaken, forgotten, and finished, but God’s Word declares otherwise. Even when the world, sin, or circumstances have left us half dead, like the man on the Jericho road, Jesus comes as the Good Samaritan to lift us up, heal our wounds, and restore us.
The call is to adopt a winner’s mindset—not because of our own strength, but because of the God who is mighty in our midst. The race is not to the swift, but to those who endure, who get up one more time than they’ve been knocked down. No matter what has knocked you down—addiction, failure, persecution, or despair—God is not finished with you. He is here to pick you up, restore your joy, and set you back on your feet. Refuse to let your story end in defeat; by God’s grace, you shall arise.
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Key Takeaways
- Honest Faith Faces Reality, Not Denial
Paul’s words remind us that faith is not about pretending troubles don’t exist. He openly acknowledges being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down. True faith is not denial, but the courage to face reality with the confidence that God’s presence makes all the difference. [01:07]
- God’s Grace Draws the Line Between Knocked Down and Destroyed
Being struck down is not the same as being destroyed. The difference is God’s sustaining grace, which keeps us from being overcome by our circumstances. Even when we are at our lowest, God’s power is able to lift us up and restore us, just as He did for David and Jonah. [13:36]
- Admitting Weakness is the Pathway to God’s Help
There is no shame in confessing that you are in a pit or overwhelmed by life. Sometimes, the only way to receive help is to admit you need it. When we cry out from our lowest places, God hears and responds, pulling us out of the mire and setting us on solid ground. [10:42]
- The Righteous Rise Again—Persistence Over Perfection
Scripture teaches that the just may fall seven times, but they rise again. The mark of a righteous life is not never falling, but always getting back up. Victory belongs to those who refuse to let failure or defeat be the final word, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every comeback. [20:07]
- Jesus Lifts Up What the Enemy Tears Down
The enemy’s strategy is to throw down, steal, and destroy, but Jesus is the lifter of our heads and the restorer of our souls. Whether you’ve been left half dead by life’s thieves or torn by spiritual battles, Jesus comes to heal, restore, and raise you up. The story is not over until God says it’s over. [30:50]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[03:50] - The Reality of Trouble and Persecution
[06:12] - Not Forsaken: God’s Presence in Hardship
[08:36] - David’s Testimony: From the Pit to the Rock
[10:42] - Prayers from the Depths: God’s Deliverance
[12:21] - Delivered from the Lowest Hell
[13:36] - God is a Pulling Up God
[15:45] - Jonah: Down, Down, Down—But Not Out
[16:27] - The Reach of God’s Mercy
[18:12] - Paul’s Honesty About Being Knocked Down
[20:07] - The Righteous Rise Again
[22:28] - Refusing to Stay Down: A Mindset of Victory
[25:24] - Jesus Lifts Up What the Enemy Tears Down
[30:50] - The Good Samaritan: Restoration After Being Left Half Dead
[33:44] - Jesus is Here to Pick Us Up
[36:24] - Closing and Call to Rise Again
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Down, But Not Out”
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### Bible Reading
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV)
> We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)
> I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Proverbs 24:16 (ESV)
> For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul lists four hardships he faces. What are they, and how does he contrast each one with a statement of hope?
(see [03:50])
2. According to Psalm 40:1-3, what actions does God take for David when he is in a “horrible pit”?
(see [08:36])
3. In Proverbs 24:16, what is the difference between the righteous and the wicked when they fall?
(see [20:07])
4. The sermon mentions that Paul is honest about his struggles and doesn’t sugarcoat them. Why is this honesty important for faith?
(see [01:07])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul makes a point to say he is “struck down, but not destroyed”? What does this reveal about his understanding of God’s role in suffering?
(see [06:12])
2. The sermon says, “It’s not shameful to admit you’ve been knocked down.” How does admitting weakness open the door for God’s help, according to both David’s and Paul’s experiences?
(see [10:42])
3. The phrase “the righteous falls seven times and rises again” suggests persistence over perfection. What does this teach about the nature of a righteous life?
(see [20:07])
4. The sermon describes Jesus as the one who “lifts up what the enemy tears down.” How does this shape our view of setbacks and spiritual battles?
(see [25:24])
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### Application Questions
1. Paul doesn’t deny his troubles, but he refuses to let them define him. Is there a situation in your life right now where you’ve been tempted to pretend everything is fine instead of being honest about your struggles? What would it look like to face reality with faith this week?
(see [01:07])
2. The sermon says, “Sometimes the only way to get help is to admit we’re in a horrible pit.” Is there an area where you need to cry out for help—from God or from others? What’s holding you back from doing so?
(see [10:42])
3. Think about a time when you felt “knocked down” by life—whether by failure, addiction, loss, or discouragement. What helped you get back up? If you’re still down, what’s one step you can take this week to move toward restoration?
(see [22:28])
4. The sermon challenges us to “refuse to let your story end in defeat.” Are there any areas where you’ve started to believe the enemy’s lie that you are “forsaken, forgotten, or finished”? How can you remind yourself of God’s truth in those moments?
(see [06:12])
5. The story of the Good Samaritan was used as an example of Jesus lifting up those left “half dead.” Who in your life might be feeling “half dead” right now? What practical step can you take to be a “Good Samaritan” to them this week?
(see [30:50])
6. The sermon says, “The key to winning is just to get up one more time than your adversary.” What does “getting up” look like for you in your current season? Is there a specific action, prayer, or mindset you need to adopt?
(see [24:36])
7. The pastor said, “No matter how low we go, God’s reach is lower still.” How does this truth encourage you in your lowest moments? Is there a verse or promise from today’s study you want to hold onto this week?
(see [16:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to be honest about your struggles, the faith to believe He can lift you up, and the strength to get back up—no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down. Pray for each other to experience God’s restoring grace this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Down, But Not Out—God’s Presence in Our Trials
Life brings trouble, perplexity, and even persecution, but these hardships do not mean we are abandoned or defeated. God’s Word assures us that even when we are surrounded by difficulties, we are not crushed, not in despair, not forsaken, and not destroyed. The Lord knows exactly where you are and what you’re facing, and He promises to be with you through every trial. You may feel pressed on every side, but God’s sustaining presence keeps you standing, and His grace is enough to see you through. [01:07]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV)
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel surrounded by trouble or confusion? How can you invite God’s presence into that specific situation today, trusting that you are not forsaken?
Day 2: God Lifts Us from the Lowest Pit
No matter how deep the pit or how heavy the mire, God is able to lift you out and set your feet on solid ground. Like David, who cried out from a horrible pit and sinking mire, you can call on the Lord in your darkest moments. God’s mercy reaches to the lowest places, and He delights in delivering His children from despair, restoring hope, and establishing your steps anew. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember that God is a pulling-up God, always ready to rescue and restore. [08:36]
Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Reflection: When have you felt like you were in a “horrible pit”? What would it look like to cry out to God today and trust Him to lift you up?
Day 3: The Righteous May Fall, But They Rise Again
Falling or being knocked down is not the end for those who trust in God. Scripture teaches that a righteous person may fall seven times, but they rise again. It’s not about never falling—it’s about refusing to stay down. With God’s help, you can get back up, no matter how many times life or the enemy knocks you down. Victory belongs to those who get up one more time than they fall, holding on to faith and a winner’s attitude that says, “I shall arise.” [20:07]
Proverbs 24:16 (ESV)
For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
Reflection: Think of a time when you were knocked down by disappointment, failure, or sin. What is one step you can take today to “get back up” and move forward in faith?
Day 4: Jesus Lifts Up What the Enemy Throws Down
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, often leaving us wounded and half-dead, but Jesus is the one who lifts us up, heals, and restores. Whether it’s the story of the demon-possessed boy or the Good Samaritan, the pattern is clear: the world and the devil throw down, but Jesus lifts up. No matter how broken or defeated you feel, Jesus is ready to pour in oil and wine, bind up your wounds, and set you back on your feet with new life and hope. [31:17]
Luke 10:30-34 (ESV)
Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel “half dead” or beaten down? How can you open your heart to Jesus’ healing and allow Him to lift you up today?
Day 5: Refuse to Stay Down—Adopt a Winner’s Attitude
It’s not the end of the story when you get knocked down; what matters is your resolve to get back up, trusting that God is not finished with you. The key to victory is to rise one more time than you fall, to refuse to let setbacks define your future, and to believe that God will help you endure to the end. With a mindset anchored in God’s promises, you can declare, “I will not end like this—I shall arise!” [24:36]
Micah 7:8 (ESV)
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
Reflection: What negative thought or defeatist mindset do you need to reject today? How can you declare God’s promise over your life and choose to rise again?
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