April 1, 2014. The Fool says in his heart there is no God. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received 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 again. 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. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 I think we can all relate to having pressure in our lives. But not many would have experienced this kind of pressure. Paul here is talking about severe persecution, and even despairing of life itself! He was on death row. It’s amazing to think of how many of his letters were written in Prison, what an amazing attitude and faith he had! He says, “this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again.” That’s a serious faith. Probably a bit like being a Christian in North Korea right now. Your life would be in danger. How many Christians would be willing to place themselves in that situation to win souls and plant churches? I remember hearing about a preaching series someone preached called “Practical Atheist.” They were teaching on how many Christians say they have faith in God, but live their lives for themselves, without trusting in God for anything. It would be like saying I am married to Carol, but never really connecting with her, or listening to her or even trusting her to share my life with her. Many people are good at going to God’s house, and talking to him occasionally, but living like a practical atheist. Never hearing from God, never relying on him and trusting in him with their day to day lives. Proverbs says, the fool says in his heart there is no God. But I also think we are fooling ourselves if we claim to be a Christian, and don’t actually live our lives for God’s glory. The last part of this paragraph says, “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.” This shows our job as Christians. We can help the persecuted believers by our prayers. And gracious favour will be granted in answer to the prayers of many. Lord we pray for persecuted believers across the world, would you strengthen them, and give them favour in Jesus name. And help me live my life not relying on myself, but on you who raises the dead. In Jesus name. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:27:58 +0000
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