In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “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.”
Amidst all the turmoil of our world, does Paul’s despair sound familiar? Especially in the fight for life, many of us face great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure. Many of our ministry partners are facing opposition, financial peril, and struggles both without and within. We may feel like we—or the vulnerable people we serve—have received a death sentence. But let’s look at scripture to know what is true. Like Paul, we can set our hope on God—who has defeated death itself! There is no enemy or problem too big and terrible for Him! Perhaps we’ve come to such a time as this that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. Paul was confident God “will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” We urge you to pray with us. Then we will thank God together “for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
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