Not everything in life is easy. Most people experience difficulties, and sometimes people come to God at these times—but often only to blame Him! Paul helps us see a better response.
A deadly reality
Read 2 Corinthians 1:8
• How bad did it get for Paul in Asia?
We’ll find out more about some of the hardships that Paul experienced in the province of Asia—part of modern-day Turkey—in chapter 11.
• How do you think you would react if you found yourself facing these kinds of things?
• What did Paul learn from these sufferings?
Not many of us experience the kind of challenges that Paul did, although some Christians do. But we can apply the principle: hardships should lead us to trust in God, not ourselves. Hardship tests where we really put our trust.
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APPLY
Think about difficulties that you are facing, or have recently faced.
• Do you turn to God in these situations, or are you determined to solve them and get through them yourself?
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A great deliverance
Read 2 Corinthians 1:10
• What happened to Paul (v 10)?
• What does this teach us about God (v 10)?
Paul has confidence in God because God has shown Himself to be reliable. Paul isn’t expecting an easy life; but he knows that even if he does die, the One who raises the dead (v 9) will deliver him from death to life.
But Paul’s deliverance isn’t just about Paul.
• How are the Corinthians involved (v 11)?
• What impact has it had on others (v 11)?
Around the world today, many Christians face persecution on a daily basis. We can and should pray for them, and celebrate our shared ultimate deliverance in Jesus Christ. Even death is not defeat for Christ’s people!
If we are going to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters, we need to know what they face. Two helpful websites are:
www.barnabasfund.org and www.opendoorsuk.org.
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PRAY THRU
Why not choose a particular group of Christians who are facing sustained persecution? Pray for them each day for the rest of your life. And look forward to meeting them in God’s recreated world, where together you can praise the God who delivers!
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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