2 Corinthians 1:8-11
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Paul describes the difficulties he and his companions faced, stating that they were "utterly burdened beyond our strength" (verse 8). But he goes on to say that there was a purpose to this, in that it "was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God" (verse 9). I can relate to this, for sometimes the difficulties of recovery seem "beyond [my] strength". But there is an important truth to be learned from this, to "rely not on ourselves but on God". I have hope not because of how strong or wonderful I am, but because of how strong and wonderful God is, who even "raises the dead" (verse 9). Not how in verse 10 Paul states that God both "delivered us" (past tense) and "will deliver us" (future tense). This is our foundation for hope, knowing that the almighty God has and will deliver us!
Lord, sometimes recovery seems too hard. Thank you for being being my strength, and for how you have delivered me in the past, and will deliver me in the future.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Paul describes the difficulties he and his companions faced, stating that they were "utterly burdened beyond our strength" (verse 8). But he goes on to say that there was a purpose to this, in that it "was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God" (verse 9). I can relate to this, for sometimes the difficulties of recovery seem "beyond [my] strength". But there is an important truth to be learned from this, to "rely not on ourselves but on God". I have hope not because of how strong or wonderful I am, but because of how strong and wonderful God is, who even "raises the dead" (verse 9). Not how in verse 10 Paul states that God both "delivered us" (past tense) and "will deliver us" (future tense). This is our foundation for hope, knowing that the almighty God has and will deliver us!
Lord, sometimes recovery seems too hard. Thank you for being being my strength, and for how you have delivered me in the past, and will deliver me in the future.