But God!

2 Corinthians 1:8-11King James Version (KJV)

8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Dear Friends,

Sometimes we are:

• pressed beyond measure (just can't take it)
• pressed beyond strength (load is too heavy)
• pressed to the point of despair (seems like hope is gone and we can't live through it)

Paul is reminding the brethren of his great affliction in Asia. We are not told exactly what it was.  However, he describes how the pressure felt.

BUT THEN HE REMINDS US:

• That God delivered us from so great a death (through Jesus Christ)
• Will yet deliver us
• We are reminded to
• Keep trusting, to hold fast to our faith

Furthermore:

• It is important that we keep on praying for one another.  We all have burdens. There have been times, are times or will be times in the future when we feel that the pressures of life are unbearable. But God will yet deliver.

 God is working all things together for our good.  (Romans 8:28)  Hold on. 

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie