Overcoming despair.
Posted by appolus on November 10, 2022
2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life:
It is quite astonishing to see the transparency of Paul here. How many leaders would acknowledge such a depth of despair, even of life itself? How many saints would acknowledge this to each other? Especially men. Most of us are raised to be strong and to keep our innermost thoughts to ourselves, but here is Paul laying out his heart, his fears, his insecurities for everyone to read. And yet even in this he is teaching, he is becoming all things to all men so that he may comfort them. We cannot truly comfort others unless we can be honest and transparent. Once someone realizes that you have walked through the same fire as they have , they sit up and take notice. Paul assures us that his hope for you is steadfast because he knows that as you enter into the sufferings for Christ sake, you shall also enter into the consolation of Christ.
And how glorious is that consolation! Just to be known by Him, just to know that He knows what you are going through. To know that He stands with you in the midst of it all, then we trust Him. And that trust is our strength. It is that trust in Him that sees us through the fires. It is that trust in Him that elevates us above the storm. It is that trust in Him that causes despair to flee and be replaced with a blessed hope. To see Him in the midst of it all is to live. We know that the One who delivered us from the world will deliver us still from all of our calamities. And when He does, we then comfort others, who are going through the dark valleys of life and who are suffering for the cause of Christ, with the same comfort we ourselves were comforted with.
A Call To The Remnant 
Prayergate said
I enjoy all of your posts!
But this one is especially poignant for the very reason that many Christian struggle through their sufferings rather than learn to trust God in the midst of them!
If left unchecked, it leads them to become bitter towards God and develop an accusatory spirit against Him … believing that He doesn’t care or is indifferent towards them.
Trials and afflictions are like the old saying about the 26-mile marathon:
“It’s the last 6 miles that make the man!”
It’s the dividing line between those who will learn to trust God … and those who won’t.
appolus said
Amen brother. This is, as they say, where the rubber meets the road. This is the accusation against Job, that he only loved God because God had blessed him, remove the blessing and he will curse you. Well, we know the story, but its as ancient as time. We love God unconditionally because He first loved us and He is worthy to be praised in any circumstances, good or bad. And our reward? He is our exceeding great reward, what else is there? God bless you brother……………..bro Frank
Prayergate said
Well said, Brother! 🙂
John P. Thomas said
Frank Stated:
“We know that the One who delivered us from the world will deliver us still from all of our calamities. And when He does, we then comfort others with the same comfort we ourselves were comforted with, who are going through the dark valleys of life and who are suffering for the cause of Christ.”
I look forward to the opportunity to give comfort to my fellow disciples. I don’t know how God will use me, but I continue to pray about it and make myself available. The Holy Spirit is already my comforter and I am sure He will be my guide in serving the family of believers. I do pray for this.
John from Maine