Scripture

We think you ought to know, 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.

Observation

Paul describes the troubles he and Timothy went through in the province of Asia. They were crushed beyond their ability to endure. Then they stopped trusting in their own abilities and trusted only in God.

God rescued them from mortal danger, and He will do it again. The Corinthians help by praying for them.

Paul says with confidence that he has lived with God-given holiness and sincerity. His letters have been straightforward with no hidden messages. When Jesus returns, they will be as proud of him as he is of them.

Application

Paul faced great opposition, even to the point of being close to death. That sounds scary, but it had the effect of forcing him to rely on God’s grace and not his own ability.

There is a saying that God will not send us anything that we can’t handle. That is not true. God does it all the time. He does promise that He will not send us anything too big that He can’t handle its.

The Lord is wanting too deepen our trust in Him. We face many trials in our life, some small but others seem huge at the time. In it all, God invites us to trust Him more. As we grow in our ability to trust the Lord, through smaller tests,He sends bigger tests to deepen that trust

Whatever tests I face today, Jesus is with me.

Prayer

Thank you father for the assurance that you will give me victory in every trial. Please help me to trust you. Amen.