Struck Down But Not Destroyed

2 Corinthians 4:8-9  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)

I must admit that these last few years I have about lost my faith in the human race. Over and over people have asked to be my friend (for me to trust them) only to dash my heart across the stones.  

Why is it we treat others so unkindly and are so quick to misunderstand, mistreat, and crush those that are supposed to be our friends? 

May God help us to stop acting the way we do and start behaving like Christ who gave his life for us. For we who were still sinners, and yet he came, lived a sinless life and then Christ died for us.

We who lie, cheat on tests at school and on our spouses, steal, have greed and jealousy in our hearts. For we who deny Him.  We, who live lives and never even consider Him and what he has done for us and in us.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (NIV)

 2 Corinthians 1:8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. (NIV)

 2 Corinthians 7:5 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. (NIV)

 Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)