April 01, 2020: SOAP #3772:  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. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Observation:  The difficulties Paul and his ministry team suffered in the province of Asia had present and future benefits.  As to the present: they relied on God and He proved Himself reliable!   As to the future: they received hope and faith that God would continue to deliver them.

Why did Paul want the church in Corinth to know about the difficulties that he and his ministry team suffered?  Because they had been praying.  The deliverance in the province of Asia came in answer to the prayers of the believers in Corinth!  He wanted them to know that God had heard and answered their prayers!  Their prayers had been an important part of bringing victory.  How proper to report back to those who had prayed!

Application:  While we are going through the Corona-virus plague we can only rely on God.   His “gracious favor will be granted in answer to the prayers of many.”  So…be encouraged to have faith in God.  …be encouraged to pray.
…be encouraged to recognize the prayers of others.  …be faithful to report back to those you asked to pray for you.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you like it when I depend on you.  And you like it when I am thankful.  My heart overflows with thanks to you for all you have done for me.  And my heart should overflow with thanks for those who pray for me.  Holy Spirit, help me not to take those prayers for granted.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!