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The "But" Factor: Thriving Through Life’s Challenges

 

The “But” Factor: Finding Victory in Life’s Dual Realities

"We are 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 (KSB)

How many of you remember that old song “Doin’ Da Butt”? They were talking about one kind of "but"—but today, I want to talk about the spiritual "but" factor, a deeper biblical principle that gives hope and balance.

In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul teaches us how to live in dual realities. He shows the church in Corinth—and us—that multiple truths can coexist. Just like Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts can share one location, your life can contain joy and pain, struggle and peace, pressure and perseverance all at once.

Open Your Spiritual Senses

It’s time to awaken our spiritual senses:

  • Open your eyes to see what else God is doing.
  • Open your ears to hear the whisper behind the noise.
  • Open your mouth to taste and see that the Lord is good.
  • Open your hands to feel the presence of God moving in your life.

There is more happening than meets the eye.


Signpost showing pressure and peace coexisting, illustrating life’s dual realities
Living the “But” Factor

"We are pressed on every side, but not crushed."

Yes, life brings pressure—from work, family, and society—but we are not without joy. We still have peace. We still have love. The pressure doesn’t define us; God’s presence does.

"We are perplexed, but not in despair."

We may have questions. We may struggle with doubt. But we hold onto hope. Even if part of us fears, another part believes. And we choose to lean into faith.

"We are persecuted, but not abandoned."

People may reject us, criticize us, or misunderstand us—but we are never alone. Jesus warned us of persecution, but He also promised peace. God's Word says:

"When you walk through the fire, I will be with you... I will never leave you nor forsake you." – Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:5
"I once was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken." – Psalm 37:25
"We are struck down, but not destroyed."

Life may have knocked you down—but you’re not out. The referee hasn't counted to 10. You still have time to rise. The Bible says:

"A righteous person falls seven times, but they rise again." – Proverbs 24:16

Recognize the Deeper Reality

There’s a “but” factor—what’s happening in the natural isn’t the whole story. A deeper spiritual reality is at work. Like Paul teaches:

  • Physical / Metaphysical
  • Surface / Deeper Meaning
  • Situation / Saturation

Reflection Question:

What businesses have teamed up together in the same space? What dualities are you living with right now?

Let the “but” factor remind you that no matter the difficulty, God is always at work in the unseen—lifting, preserving, and empowering you.

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Location: Tampa, FL, USA

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