“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-10 (NKJV)
Real spiritual life for you if you analyse, you will find in the following way Paul is describing through his own experience. I experienced all the following and when I read this passage I can relate to it. All who have committed to God’s work go through very difficult time, which cannot be seen by others or can be explained. It is only an experience, which initially freaks everyone out, but once you get used to it, you will understand and will not be bothered by such oppositions from the people around and the demonic forces that operates.
Hard-pressed on all side, yet not crushed: Matthew 21:44(NKJV)
As the above verses declare that we carry God’s glory in our body, which is an earthen vessel, even though very many things come to squeeze you, you are not crushed by them.
Perplexed, but not in despair: Acts 2:12, 38-39(NKJV)
Many surprising oppositions come for the gospel you are bold enough to preach, but never left alone to despair, the Lord’s face will shine over you, so that you can reflect the light brighter.
Persecuted, but not forsaken: Acts 4:29-31(NKJV)
Persecution is guaranteed, if you live a God fearing spiritual life and be a witness to people around you, but God will not forsake you in trouble, rather the whole heaven backs you up.
Struck down, but not destroyed: Acts 14:19-20(NKJV)
Beaten and struck down verbally mostly and sometimes physically also, but no devil, no human being can ever destroy your reputation or harm you physically. Angelic protection has been designated especially for you and nothing to fear.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV)