Focal Passage: II Corinthians 1:8-10; 12:6-10
Several years ago, I visited a couple who had recently joined our church. When I plugged their address into my GPS, I had to do a double-take: Easy Street! They lived on Easy Street! What a great place to live.
Wouldn’t we all love to live on Easy Street? We wish our circumstances would work out easily, neatly, and without pain or problems. But we know that’s not how life works. We often feel bogged down by what life throws at us. In those moments, our job is to remember that the Lord is walking with us and leading us through even the darkest valley (Psalm 23:4).
Paul writes to the Corinthian church to encourage them to stay united for the sake of the gospel. In II Corinthians, he addresses them because the suffering in their personal lives was causing disruptions in their church. Paul offers several principles for dealing with suffering.
Brandon Johns
In II Corinthians 1:8–10, Paul describes a previous situation as completely overwhelming. Have you ever felt that way? As if no matter what you try, you just can’t get ahead? Paul was describing a difficult time in ministry when he had reached the end of his own strength. Many of us can relate.
When you feel overwhelmed, you can take one of two paths. Sometimes reaching the end of your rope prompts you to turn away from God. I’ve seen this happen — people feeling deserted by God and walking away from what they once knew. They become angry and bitter. Thankfully, there is a better path. Instead, you can allow the Lord to draw you close. You can remember that the Lord does not leave or forsake His children. Even when the circumstances seem immense, God still cares and He is still with you.
In those moments, it’s important to remember that situations may be out of our control, but they are never out of control. We serve a God who is still on the throne, who knows your needs, and who will come through today just as He has in the past.
Paul also tells the Corinthian church about a personal pain point — his “thorn in the flesh.” One might think Paul would be able to simply enjoy his relationship with the Lord. He knew so much, was deeply trained, and seemed deserving of an “Easy Street” address. He had the résumé and the accolades. Paul, however, didn’t see it that way. He understood that enjoying life does not necessarily mean living a life of ease.
Instead of receiving praise, Paul received a thorn in his flesh. This thorn kept him from thinking too highly of himself. God gave him this thorn — it was not of his own doing. Satan tried to use it to discourage, discredit, and discount Paul, but it didn’t work. Paul asked three times for the thorn to be removed, yet God allowed it to remain. Instead of removing the thorn, God gave Paul grace to endure it.
Our job is to trust in God’s grace. When we feel overwhelmed or overtaken by our circumstances, may we remember that the Lord’s grace is sufficient. For those who are in Christ, He is with us and will never leave or forsake us — no matter the circumstance. B&R
