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2 Corinthians 1

Good Morning “Comforted and Strengthened.”  Dig into 2 Corinthians 1 today.  

Paul had some struggles - quite a list in fact!  Near death experiences, stoning’s, beatings, imprisonments - etc.  Paul counted all these things a loss, not even worth mentioning in comparison to the Glory that will be revealed on the Day of Christ.  All that to say, when Paul mentions here that they have had great troubles - understand it’s huge.  

“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.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this life we will have trouble!  It’s a promise.  The Christian life is not perfect by any means.  In fact likely it means we will endure more suffering and struggle as the evil one seeks to destroy anything God does in and though is!  However, here Paul seems to suggest their struggling was meant to cause them to rely on God!  He does not want us to attempt to live in our own power but His!  

Check out what Paul opens with.  I often quote this passage at memorial services.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Scripture is clear.  Through Christ we can get through anything - then with the strength and comfort we receive we can help others do the same.  EVERYTHING has purpose!

Learn to learn, and grow through suffering.  According to James 1 it is the thing that grows us up!  Pay attention to the blessing that comes on the back side of the suffering - you might be surprised!  Faith is believing He’s got in while in the midst of the suffering.  

Love you all!  Dig in!