2 Corinthians 1:8-11
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. – 2 Corinthians 1:10
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Dear brothers and sisters, there are times in life when the weight of suffering feels so heavy to bear. The apostle Paul was familiar with this reality firsthand. He writes in 2 Corinthians 1:8, “we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” Imagine that Paul, the great missionary and servant of God, admitting that he was pushed to the very brink, even to the point of losing hope.
Yet, Paul doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (v. 9). His darkest trial became the very means through which God drew him closer, teaching him to let go of self-reliance and to trust fully in the Lord’s resurrection power.
This is a word many of us need. We often try to manage, control, or fix things on our own. God sometimes allows situations that strip us of every other support, so that our only hope is Him. As Paul discovered, God is faithful. He is the God who raises the dead—the One who has the power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and beauty out of brokenness. May we not place our faith in our strength or circumstances but in the God who raises the dead.
Think of it like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks don’t disappear—they are highlighted. But the vessel becomes even more beautiful because of the repair. In the same way, our suffering and weakness can become the very places where God’s strength and glory shine most clearly.
Paul also reminds us that we do not walk this road alone. In verse 11, he speaks of the prayers of others, saying, “You help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” In times of trial, the prayers of brothers and sisters become a lifeline of grace. And when deliverance comes, the thanksgiving is multiplied.
Perhaps today you find yourself in a place where life feels overwhelming. Or maybe you’re walking alongside someone who is struggling. This passage encourages us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and fix our hope on the God who delivers. He has done it before, He will do it again, and ultimately, He will raise us up with Christ in glory.
So, let us hold fast to Him. Let us pray for one another. And let us remember: our suffering is never wasted. In God’s hands, it becomes a means of sanctification, a testimony of His power, and a reminder of our eternal hope in Jesus.
Reflection:
1. What trial are you facing right now where God may be inviting you to rely less on yourself and more on Him?
2. Who can you be praying for this week? Join the Wednesday prayer meeting so that together you may witness God’s grace and give thanks.
Prayer:
God of all comfort, thank You that in our weakness Your strength is made perfect. Teach us to rely not on ourselves, but on You, as You are the God who raises the dead. Strengthen our faith in trials, comfort us by Your Spirit, and help us encourage others with the hope of Christ. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.
Click to read
Dear brothers and sisters, there are times in life when the weight of suffering feels so heavy to bear. The apostle Paul was familiar with this reality firsthand. He writes in 2 Corinthians 1:8, “we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” Imagine that Paul, the great missionary and servant of God, admitting that he was pushed to the very brink, even to the point of losing hope.
Yet, Paul doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (v. 9). His darkest trial became the very means through which God drew him closer, teaching him to let go of self-reliance and to trust fully in the Lord’s resurrection power.
This is a word many of us need. We often try to manage, control, or fix things on our own. God sometimes allows situations that strip us of every other support, so that our only hope is Him. As Paul discovered, God is faithful. He is the God who raises the dead—the One who has the power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and beauty out of brokenness. May we not place our faith in our strength or circumstances but in the God who raises the dead.
Think of it like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks don’t disappear—they are highlighted. But the vessel becomes even more beautiful because of the repair. In the same way, our suffering and weakness can become the very places where God’s strength and glory shine most clearly.
Paul also reminds us that we do not walk this road alone. In verse 11, he speaks of the prayers of others, saying, “You help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” In times of trial, the prayers of brothers and sisters become a lifeline of grace. And when deliverance comes, the thanksgiving is multiplied.
Perhaps today you find yourself in a place where life feels overwhelming. Or maybe you’re walking alongside someone who is struggling. This passage encourages us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and fix our hope on the God who delivers. He has done it before, He will do it again, and ultimately, He will raise us up with Christ in glory.
So, let us hold fast to Him. Let us pray for one another. And let us remember: our suffering is never wasted. In God’s hands, it becomes a means of sanctification, a testimony of His power, and a reminder of our eternal hope in Jesus.
Reflection:
1. What trial are you facing right now where God may be inviting you to rely less on yourself and more on Him?
2. Who can you be praying for this week? Join the Wednesday prayer meeting so that together you may witness God’s grace and give thanks.
Prayer:
God of all comfort, thank You that in our weakness Your strength is made perfect. Teach us to rely not on ourselves, but on You, as You are the God who raises the dead. Strengthen our faith in trials, comfort us by Your Spirit, and help us encourage others with the hope of Christ. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.