“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. 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. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 – 1:9 NLT)
Tough times happen. Trouble comes. Yes, even for people who seem to have it all together, and are a testimony of godliness to their community.
Take the apostle Paul. Busy with God’s work, he ran into some unexpected trouble. At one point, he and his pals thought they might even die!
See what he wrote? “In fact, we expected to die.”
But they didn’t die.
Instead, they learned something very important.
“…we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”
They learned to rely on God.
Even if things didn’t turn out the way they wanted, they were still determined to rely on God.
On God Who raises the dead.
You could possibly be facing the biggest problem you’ve ever faced. It might be a huge physical problem, financial worries, or family relationship issues.
And it may appear to be just about over; finished with no way out.
But maybe you could take this opportunity to learn something about God.
He’s faithful, He will not quit, and…
He raises the dead.
I’m not saying it’s a fun time, nor do I believe that’s what Paul was implying.
Troublesome times come, even to those who seem to be God’s special people.
But we can face those moments much easier if we’ve prepared ourselves to rely upon God Who raises the dead.
Even when things look hopeless.
Are you ready for your next lesson?
Jan Grace 