I find it fascinating and so very encouraging that God inspired the apostle Paul to transparently share the depths of his personal suffering and discouragement in his second letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, “we were so burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death…” (2 Cor 1:8-9)
Prosperity theology, the idea that faithful christians are ensured physical, material and financial well being, has insidiously infiltrated and shaped in varying degrees the understanding and beliefs of many christians and churches today. Its painful effects can be seen in suffering believers convinced they must hide their despair, as well as in criticism and hollow exhortations commonly levied on those who venture to share despair in the midst of suffering.
In contrast to such misconceptions, God has miraculously preserved Paul’s transparent testimony of despair for our encouragement. Not only did Paul share his despair openly, but he preceded his sharing by saying, “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia.” He wanted to be absolutely certain they knew about his experience. Interestingly, Paul doesn’t share any details about the source or type of affliction he was experiencing. Instead his focus is on being certain they knew the inner turmoil the affliction had caused him personally, “we were so burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.“
After Paul transparently shares the depths of his despair he goes on to share how God used that despairing or desperation for his good. “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” (v 9). The threat of death, though often a potent weapon of the adversary, was used by God to powerfully teach or remind Paul to rely upon God alone.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6 [ESV]
Paul’s hope was not in avoiding physical death or earthly affliction. His hope was in trusting his God who defeated death and promised eternal life. In God, his hope was fixed on eternal certainties far surpassing all earthly possibilities.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 [NASB95]
In verse 10 he goes on to say, “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.” He has delivered us, He is delivering us, and He will deliver us. Paul’s deliverance was not from affliction, he repeatedly experienced deep affliction. His deliverance was through his affliction as God faithfully sustained and comforted him in it. His hope was not in avoiding or escaping earthly affliction. His hope was in the One who has promised to comfort and sustain us in all our affliction, never leaving us nor forsaking us.
“…for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” Hebrews 13:5-6 [ESV]
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV]
Through the unshakable Hope available in Christ Jesus we have an invitation to be comforted and delivered through every affliction by the living God who promises to uphold his children with His righteous right hand.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 [NASB95]
Praise God, there is coming a day, “in just a little while“, when we will be delivered once and for all from all affliction, sorrow and suffering. So let us be sober minded and watchful, constantly reminding one another to not grow weary in the waiting. The coming one is coming soon, and will not delay!
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, ‘Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay'” Hebrews 10:36-37 [ESV]
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20 [ESV]
As we wait, may we also follow Paul’s example in transparently sharing our personal testimonies of deliverance through affliction. Continually standing ready to testify that He alone is the God who uses even our deepest affliction and despair for our good, powerfully transforming and sanctifying us through it in such a way that He alone may be glorified.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:8-11 [ESV]
Artwork: Sarah Harmening
Listening to Him 