Relying on the Promise Keeper

2 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.”

The apostle Paul is sharing an experience of affliction in Asia, the account can be found in the book of Acts.  He could have been referring to Acts 14:19-28. These verses describe how Paul was stoned by opponents in Lystra, or it might have been the account found in Acts 19:23-41 of Demetrius, a silversmith.  This is for sure, what was taking place in Paul’s life was not losing his cell phone, or having a bad hair day, he was sure that he was going to die. 

One might ask why was Paul sharing this with us, and I believe there are two reasons?  Both are of importance, first, it is the nature of human critters to rely on self or others, such as doctors, the court system, parents, pastors, your employer, and I’m sure you can add to this list.  Paul was human he encountered emotions such as fear and loss, looking to others, or trying to play Mr. Fixit, and that is why he gave us this word.  “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” 

The apostle may be referring to the account in Acts 14:19-28 where he was stoned, or the death of Lazarus and Jesus raising him from the dead, or even Jesus’ death and rising on the third day.  It matters only that Paul and you and I have a reference point greater than anything or person, one to run to that can raise the dead.  Now it gets real personal for Paul has to experience with the Father and with the Son and the Holy Spirit, and he moves from fear to faith by looking back to what God has done in his life, verse 10, “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.”  If one does not have a reference point in time of affliction, where can they go?  To whom will they turn, do you have a better source than Jesus?

Now that takes us to the second point and one of utmost importance and that is prayer!  You have heard the slogan “Prayer changes things” and it does, but this story comes to my mind of a child asking his mother to fix his broken toy.  The mother takes the toy and begins to work on it but the child keeps grabbing it back, not allowing her to fix it.  Often, I’ve done that with the Lord, I give Him my problem, but often I’m like the child grabbing it back as if I knew better than God.

The apostle Paul tells us that prayer is of great importance and has power, and it is the secret weapon of the Church.  Verse 11, “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.”  If you struggle in your prayer life begin praying back the Scriptures to the Lord, it is His word and it will be honored.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice