Read 2 Corinthians 1:8–24
In our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened
that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the
dead.
2 Corinthians 1:9
In Greek language, there are ten basic words for suffering, and Paul
used five of them in this letter. Some sufferings we endure simply
because we are human and subject to pain, but there are other sufferings that come because we are God’s people and want to serve Him.
We must never think that trouble is an accident. For believers,
everything is a divine appointment. God encourages us in all our
tribulations by teaching us from His Word that it is He who permits
trials to come. He encourages us further by reminding us that He is in
control of trials (v. 9). Paul was weighed down like a beast of burden
with a load too heavy to bear. But God knew just how much Paul
could take, and He kept the situation under control.
We do not know what the specific “trouble” was, but it was great
enough to make Paul think he was going to die. But we do know that
God controlled the circumstances and protected His servant. Paul
may have despaired of life, but God did not despair of Paul.
Something to Ponder
What are some of your most pressing current trials? What can you do
to ensure that you remain focused on God during these trying times?