We Expected to Die

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.  In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Cor 1:8-11

Each one of us can probably relate to the idea that we have faced something that absolutely overwhelmed us beyond our ability to endure. You've probably said, "I can't take this anymore!" Paul is describing some pretty dark times when hope was gone and so was the belief that they could survive. He said "we even expected to die." It looked like they would put out the white flag and give up. Paul could have thrown his pity party for one and waited to die. But he didn't!

How do you turn it around when all hope is lost and you are at the point of giving up? Paul stopped thinking about himself and his ability and began to think about God. He realized that when you put your trust in someone, they better be trust-worthy. As he relied upon God, confidence came back and with that came the hope of being rescued. You might call it Godfidence! God did his part and answered all of their prayers and brought them to safety.

So today, if you are facing something that seems unbearable and your hope is fading, stop thinking about the trouble and start praising the solution...your solution is the Lord! He rescued Paul time and time again and he will rescue you too!