Day 57 - 2 Corinthians 1:8-17

8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 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.

12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 13 Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us, 14 even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.

15 Since I was so sure of your understanding and trust, I wanted to give you a double blessing by visiting you twice— 16 first on my way to Macedonia and again when I returned from Macedonia. Then you could send me on my way to Judea.

17 You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”?

Tori's Comments:

It's really hard when God strips things we think we need from us, every pang of the chisel He uses causing another wince. The things we craved because we were told we needed them, told we had to have them, slowly fade out of view as we dig deeper into God and His word. Food, clothes, and pleasing others suddenly seem unreliable and all we see is Jesus Himself.

I hope to one day reach a place where all I rely upon is God. Of course, that is a scary thing to wish, because that means removing the things I've relied on my entire life.

Terrie's Comments:

I am so glad that prayer works.  When our prayers are answered God is glorified.  I noticed also that in the second part of today's passage that they have a God given holiness and they are depending on God's grace instead of human wisdom.  All the letters Paul wrote were straight forward so everyone could understand them.  They were not mysterious.  You don't have to read between the lines.  It is not like reading the parables of Jesus.  

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!