Inked In
Wednesday, October 7
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (NKJV)
“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,”
Devotion
Troubles. Who of us is a stranger to troubles? Not one of us. Paul did not want future generations to be ignorant—unaware of what they were dealing with in Asia. They were burdened beyond belief. In a short span of time, from when Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, the outward circumstances had ballooned way off script, with the opposition against him and the gospel. It reached the point that Paul enlisted the help of others to carry them through in prayer.
Pastor Franklin’s message title last week was “God, Why Are You Ruining My Life?” Certainly not something any one of us might say to God personally. Yet inside, when things are getting really out of control, when we are at the end of the rope, we may find ourselves asking that very question as we face pain and suffering that we either must endure for a season or witness up close and personal in the life of a loved one.
We do as Paul did. We cry out to God. We make our requests known to God. And God responds by enlisting people God already has on His payroll, waiting for those cries.
Intercessors, ministers, sons of thunder, sons of encouragement. It’s all they do, and they love what they do.
They know how to storm the gates. They know how to possess the gates of the enemy, and they know how to raise the banners. They also know how to blow the shofar for battle, to proclaim, The battle is not ours, but the battle belongs to the Lord, the Lord strong and mighty in battle.
Who can separate us from this great love of God? Jesus promised us, and Jesus made it good. Jesus delivered us from death to life, and He made a way for us to live in His love forever.
In the Lamb’s Book of Life, when God was entering the names of all who would believe and trust in His Son, in this life and the life to come, He didn’t use a pencil.
Because when you’re in—you’re in!
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
When I am overwhelmed and beyond my own strength, help me to trust You. Thank You that I do not have to face trouble alone. Surround me with people who will pray, encourage, and stand with me. Remind me that You are the God who delivers, and that my life is secure in Christ. I trust You with what I cannot control, knowing that You are faithful to carry me through. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
When trouble overwhelms you, don’t rely on your own strength. Cry out to God, let others pray with you, and remember: your hope is not in your circumstances—it is in the God who has delivered you, is delivering you, and will deliver you.
Resources
- Your story isn’t over. Take a moment to watch this encouraging short clip “God Can Redeem You”. What feels broken today can become part of a powerful testimony.
- Remember what God has brought you through. Share a time when He delivered you, and let your testimony remind others that God is still faithful. Share Your Story.