How Paul Coped With Hard Times – by Milton Hook

Jun 21, 2015 3101

In 2 Cor. 1:8-11 Paul writes of his hard times in Asia Minor:

Paul PrayingWe were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us [in the past] from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us [now]. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us [in the future], as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Some aspects I notice in this heartfelt passage are:

  1. Paul solicits the prayers of his friends on the basis that God has answered their prayers in the past and is still answering their prayers.
  2. Prayer is a reminder that we rely on God for usefulness and life.
  3. When we pray we are appealing to God’s graciousness because we do not earn His favours.
  4. It is helpful when many unite in the same prayer.

Paul was confident of answers to prayer. I believe we can be just as confident.

– Milton Hook

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