For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which
came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength,
insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of
death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God...
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Today I received a letter from a Christian in Ohio who wrote to encourage me with God's Word...
came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength,
insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of
death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God...
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
Today I received a letter from a Christian in Ohio who wrote to encourage me with God's Word...
Her kind letter was like fresh bread to my soul.
I am so grateful for men and women who love the Lord, and who desire to see other Christians encouraged in their faith, always rejoicing and enduring. For we must all go through our personal tribulations and trials. I cannot expect anything less than intense trials of my faith, even to the point of being "pressed out of measure" and "despairing even of life."
The apostle Paul said these very words. Yet he said them in victory and truthfulness, and not in an attitude of self-pity. Paul endured all things, even when it hurt. And at times our trials will hurt us. There will be pain. But this is okay because God is building and developing His character in us. He's keeping us humble, too.
In time, Paul realized that his "thorn in the flesh" was really a blessing, not a curse. This thorn, which the enemy of his soul thought would bring Paul discouragement, instead served to keep him from exalting himself and becoming proud.
D.B.
I am so grateful for men and women who love the Lord, and who desire to see other Christians encouraged in their faith, always rejoicing and enduring. For we must all go through our personal tribulations and trials. I cannot expect anything less than intense trials of my faith, even to the point of being "pressed out of measure" and "despairing even of life."
The apostle Paul said these very words. Yet he said them in victory and truthfulness, and not in an attitude of self-pity. Paul endured all things, even when it hurt. And at times our trials will hurt us. There will be pain. But this is okay because God is building and developing His character in us. He's keeping us humble, too.
In time, Paul realized that his "thorn in the flesh" was really a blessing, not a curse. This thorn, which the enemy of his soul thought would bring Paul discouragement, instead served to keep him from exalting himself and becoming proud.
D.B.
