Moment With The Master
“Joy in Tribulation”
Categories: Moment With The MasterYes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,” (2 Corinthians 1:9)
The remarkable life of Paul was full of trials. However, Paul always had a positive view of life. In this section he begins (vs.3) with an ascription of praise: “blessed”. The basis of his praise is in God who “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. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
The affliction had become so intense that Paul compares it to the sentence of death. (See II Corinthians 4:10-12) God’s children are often afflicted. It is through much tribulation that we will enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) Sometimes those trials bring us to the “edge” or “the borderland”. “What more can happen”? We ask. With Paul it was to the brink of death!
During these trying moments, we learn a valuable lesson. We learn to trust God. It is natural to lean on a parent or some other mentor, or even material wealth, whatever is tangible to get us through the tough times. However, sometimes all of those crutches are removed. Our feeling of helplessness must deliver us from self-trust and help us to place full confidence in the grace of God. These afflictions detach us from the material world and link us to God who works a far more and exceeding, eternal weight of glory. (II Corinthians 4:17)
In whom does Paul trust? He trusts God who raises the dead! Abraham had this comfort as well. (Romans 4:17; Hebrews 11:17-19) He believed in God who is able to bring life to a dead womb and a dead tomb! Death is man’s greatest fear and most dreaded affliction. God can deliver us from death and manage all of our troubles.
When one is taken to “the borderland”, and is delivered, he is able to have a much better view of life. He can look forward to the future and know God’s grace is sufficient everywhere and in all things.
George Slover
