Made to Rely
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
In Second Corinthians Paul spends a considerable amount of time talking about his trials and suffering. In this passage, he is transparent about the intensity of his suffering. He says it was more than he thought he could bear, even to the point that he thought what he was going through would lead to his death.
In verse eight Paul gives us an insight into how he came to understand the purpose of God in his suffering. The ESV says, “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” The Greek word used can be translated, “the purpose for this was…”
There are a few brief points to be made here:
First, a believer’s suffering is not outside of God’s control. While we might not always understand why it is happening, we can rest assured that God hasn’t lost control of our lives. As Spurgeon put it, “We might not always be able to trace God’s hand, but we can always trust his heart.”
Second, there is a purpose behind our suffering. In Paul’s case, it had to do with him learning to rely on God and not himself.
Third, it should be clear that God takes our walk of faith seriously. It was so important in Paul’s case that God was willing to allow intense suffering to be Paul’s teacher in this area of his life. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Without faith, it is impossible to live a fruitful Christian life.
