We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 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. 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, 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
Dear Holy Spirit,
Thank you for leading the Apostle Paul to be transparent so that he shared how he felt the sentence of death on his body. When I feel like that, I feel so alone. But here it is in Scripture. I appreciate his reminder that you will deliver us again and again before you call us to glory. It gives me hope for this life and the next. I will quit trying to predict my own destiny and learn to trust you to take care of me. You already have won for me eternal life. I look forward to the way you keep showing your compassionate deliverance until you beam me up. Help my friends and me to pull
together in prayer with expectant hearts.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
We really start to live by faith when all earthly props fail.
Additional Reading: Psalm 73, 2 Corinthians 4 and 5.