Word for the Day July 7
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."