2 Corinthians 1:8-10 “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.”
Why do we experience trouble? Why, as believers, do we go through some of the things we go through in this life? In today’s New Testament reading Paul provides great insight to the answers to these questions. In the opening chapter of 2 Corinthians Paul tells of the trouble he has faced. Our text characterizes it as “burdened beyond measure” to the point he felt as if death were imminent. He was under great pressure, stressed out, above his ability to endure it. But in the next verse (v.9) he says that this happened so that he might rely on God and not on himself. This is reason number one why we go through stuff: that we might learn to rely on God and not us.
Reason number two can be found earlier in the chapter in verses 3 and 4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Did you get that? Another reason you go through stuff is to help others go through their stuff. You take the same ministry that helped you and you use that to help others. Paul says in verse 6, “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” This may require a total shift in your thinking. Paul is saying that if we are afflicted or comforted it is for the sake of helping others.
Finally, Paul’s proclamation of faith is one we need to adopt. In verse 10 Paul states that God has delivered us, God does deliver us, and God will deliver us. He covers past, present, and future. Even though we may have a greater understanding of why we go through some things, it’s good to know it has an end. God will deliver you!