That crushing was actually a pressing.
The pit wasn’t my grave but the safety of a barrel. He was making new wine.
I was pressed but not crushed.
Persecuted not abandoned. .
I was struck down but I wasn’t destroyed. .
What the enemy thought would disconnect me from the vine drew me deeper into the love of God.
From there I have learned how to love others.
Offense has surrendered to forgiveness.
Instead of bitterness I run towards reconciliation.
What could have been my prison has become a place of ministry. .
There are many earthly reasons to quit but there are a million eternal reasons to stay. .
And even in the pressing His joy will be our strength. .
#raisedtostay