Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, 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, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Thoughts
The key point I want to make this morning is this: life can be overwhelming, so we need to rely on the God who raises the dead. That's the main point.
I think we can take comfort from the fact that at times in his life the Apostle Paul "despaired of life itself" because of the pressure and the troubles he was experiencing. We do not have to put on a fake face - to pretend that we've got it all together. It is alright for us to admit that we are struggling—to admit it to God and to others believers who can pray for us and stand with us.
The key though, is that Paul didn't try to ge through this on his own. He decided part of the lesson was that they would "not rely on ourselves but on God." How often do we forget to rely on God? Paul was learning the same thing.
So today if you are struggling, turn to Jesus! Don't try to do it in your own strength! Rely on God, and he will walk with you.
Prayer
I pray that in my troubles you would walk with me -help me to learn to rely on you!