Resurrection Day Greetings!

April 01, 2018: SOAP #3041: Judges 11-12; Psalm 50; 2Corinthians 1

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 1:8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, 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.

Observation:   Paul here mentions a very tough time he had endured in the province of Asia.  Paul, and those with him were pushed beyond their physical endurance.  Emotionally they felt hopeless.

As Paul looks back at that time, he recognizes that God allowed them to be pushed beyond their endurance for them to rely on God.  Yes, God could have made it easier for them.  And yes, God could bring them through even this level of trouble.

Application:   How do I learn to rely on God rather than myself?  I learn as I experience things that are too difficult for me, beyond my strength, and require more time and money than I have.  When I am pressured beyond my ability to endure, there is no other place to go but to God!

When I go to God, I discover that He is both willing and able to help me!   As God spoke to me today from Psalm 50:14 Sacrifice thank-offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, thank you for reaffirming your faithfulness to deliver me in pressure times.  Depending on you is always better than depending on myself!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!