Introduction:
Does God ever allow us to experience burdens that are too heavy for us to bear? If so, how do you handle them?
Text:
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (ESV)
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Observation:
The Apostle Paul had an experience of having an affliction that was beyond his ability to handle.
2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
Paul did not give-up or worry about his affliction. Notice that Paul did not trust his feelings. Rather, he trusted in His God.
2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (ESV)
9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Additionally, Paul had friends who knew his God, and they prayed for him. God works for His children when we pray for one another.
2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV)
11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Conclusion:
2 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)
10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Prayer:
Father, I am so grateful that in this dark and dangerous world that even though we are sometimes faced with burdens too large for us to bear; we have a God who loves and cares for His children.
Father, I pray that all who know You will not hesitate to cast our burdens upon You because there is no one who cares for us more than You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
—
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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