S. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] 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. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
O. Paul is teaching about the troubles that he experienced in ministry - and that are pretty much “par for the course.” He described it as “feeling” like receiving the sentence of death. Yet that was how he “felt” - not necessarily the reality of the situation. The reality is that when he depended completely upon God, God delivered him (v.10) and will do so again.
A. Troubles in ministry will likely not go away as long as we have an enemy (Satan) who is called the “god of this world” (fallen). I need not be overwelmed by my feelings to the pressure that may be exerted upon me - but rather, keep my mind on the reality that God has delivered (rescued) me before and He will do so again.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and lead me to not be guided by how I “feel”. Grant me wisdom and clear thinking to faifhfully depend on the reality of God’s continued faithful provision. Thank you in advance and in Jesus’ name.
