Live 4 The LORD

READ

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. 9 Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; 10 he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. (2 Corinthians 1:8–10, RSV2CE)

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.  (2 Corinthians 1:12, RSV2CE)

21 But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; 22 he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.  (2 Corinthians 1:21–22, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Despairing of how difficult life is, is not abnormal or a show that God does not love me. Even the apostle Paul and his companions despaired of life. They felt they were dying it was so difficult and painful. Paul tells me how to deal with it—rely on God! Believe God raises the dead to new life even here on Earth. Hope on God! He delivers from death to life and will keep doing it over and over—never give up!

Do not act out in evil ways when things are not going the way I want. Behave in the world with holiness, sincerity, and wisdom, from the grace of the Almighty. He gives grace to withstand the difficulties and choose righteousness. 

God has established me in Christ. He has put his seal upon me. I have been given the Holy Spirit in my heart! If I surrender to Him I am guaranteed to be His. 

PRAY 

Jesus sometimes I despair that this life is so hard and not at all what I want it to be. Every day is a battle, it seems like there is no rest against the flesh that is trying to kill my soul. Then there are days that I just can’t stand to be living here in the midst of this devastating darkness and blatant evil that people are calling good. Then there are days where I feel I can’t breathe and just want to come home. The fight is so intense just to be alive. 

Paul says to Hope in You, not in myself or my ability to fight. I must rest in your hand knowing You can take care of all I need. I must obey you in your strength not mine. It is not a give-up mentality, it’s letting you carry me as I do what you say to get through the trial. You will give grace to fight if I come to you and hope in your care. You raise the dead heart to life!

I am in Christ, I have the Holy Spirit, I can choose to do right and not evil when I am going through a trial. Help me not rely on myself but You! Give me grace Father to choose right even when I feel like I’m dying! Glory to God! Save me! Amen