We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. ~2 Corinthians 1:8 – 1:9a
Paul’s words are not sentiments of exaggeration. He was in a dangerous place and he admits he couldn’t handle it. Sometimes life is that hard. Things get so bad that we can’t imagine any way out of our situation except death. Sometimes those difficulties are emotional – perhaps a loss so deep it feels like we’ll die. Sometimes the trouble is physical – maybe a diagnosis that seems insurmountable, or circumstances so awful that we can’t possibly bear the load.
But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:9b
When we’re in that dark place, the thing that dies for believers is our self-reliance. And out of that death, God resurrects our faith in Him – a practical faith that gives us hope when we had started to despair.
And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. ~2 Corinthians 1:10a
God is awesome, faithful, trustworthy, kind, true and POWERFUL. He does more than rescue us. He IS our rescue.
We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us. ~2 Corinthians 1:10b
As you prepare for worship this morning, take a moment to personally express to your Savior your confidence in Him. Confess the tendencies of self-reliance and nail them to the Cross. Celebrate God’s power and love in your life. Proclaim your faith that He has rescued you and He will continue to rescue you. If you are struggling to reach that place of surrendered dependence, ask for His help for faith to trust Him more.
And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. ~2 Corinthians 1:11
Share your needs with those you trust to pray. Then let God’s victory be known to believers and unbelievers alike. Look for opportunities to share the story of God’s rescue. This is our testimony – not that life was so good, but that even in the face of death, God is so good.
