BibleTrekToday.com

Learning to rely on God

Scripture reading for September 16th: Isaiah 60-63, 2nd Corinthians 1

2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, 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. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

As Paul begins this second letter to the church at Corinth, he informs them of the difficult trial that he and his ministry team had in Asia. They were under such an attack, that they felt they might die. It was not pleasant, but it also worked in their lives for their good and increased their faith. It taught them to press deeper into trusting God for Whom raising the dead is not a problem! Paul was confident that God would deliver them yet again, but asked the church to pray for them. Prayers of others in agreement have great power and bring answers and thanksgiving to God, the Deliverer!

2nd Corinthians 1:18-20 “As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been yes and no. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not yes and no, but in Him it is always yes. For all the promises of God find their yes in Him.”

Prayer: Father God, You are so amazing! How you work everything out for our good and blessing and draw us closer to You is something to thank You for each day. You have delivered me from perils many times and often I didn’t even realize it. I trust that You will deliver me yet again this day! Lead me to pray for those under sentence of death and in hopeless situations that many will rejoice and give thanks.

Isaiah 63:1 “Who is this Who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, He Who is splendid in His apparel, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save!”