Word for the Day February 22 Friday
By: Evang.
Cascille Hammack
"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." 2 Cor.
1:9
Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 1:8, "..We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability
to endure, so that we despaired even of life." Then he goes on to explain the importance of faith and intercessory
prayer. "..on Him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then
many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." 2 Cor.1:10,11
It is astounding that God is so great and hears the prayers of his humble servants. He releases His power and activity
in the lives of those we pray for. God expects us to intercede for each other. (Ro. 1:9, Eph. 1:16, Ph. 1:3,
Col. 1:3, 1 Thes. 1:2)
Paul knew what it was to feel the sentence of death in his heart. Their
circumstances in Asia were far beyond their ability to endure it. Have you felt this way before? Paul reminds
us when an intense trial occurs and you know you can not do one thing to make it better and all is stripped away,
what is left is only your faith. Then you realize the importance of your prayers and the prayers of others
for you. It is then that you are dead to yourself and 100% reliant on God. This is the scenario where God can
get the glory! The God we serve, who raises the dead, wants us only to set our hope on Him. He will deliver!
2 Cor. 2:12 proclaims, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads
everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him."
When you have endured and God
has delivered you, He will use it to comfort someone else who is going through suffering. God never wastes anything.
2 Cor. 1:3 explains, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God
of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves
have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort
overflows."
