We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed — beyond our strength— so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many. Indeed, this is our boast: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom but by God’s grace. For we are writing nothing to you other than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely —just as you have partially understood us —that we are your reason for pride, just as you also are ours in the day of our Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:8-14 CSB
Aren’t you thankful, like Paul here, for God’s deliverance?
I wrote about comfort and suffering in part 2, I feel it is important now, to acknowledge that as we suffer, God is our deliverer! This truthful thought is comforting in itself.
It is so reassuring to know that we are not alone-we have God on our side.
We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed — beyond our strength— so that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again…
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 CSB
Have you ever been overwhelmed? I have. I often am at any given moment of any day! Thankfully, being overwhelmed to death is less frequent in my life, but times of loss sure brings it close in my heart and mind. In times of overwhelming despair sometimes God is our only option. We turn to Him often as a last result, don’t we? This is to our shame. The last part of verse 9 and verse 10 says that He raises the dead! His power and capability for our deliverance is what should be overwhelming our hearts and minds. As we allow the knowledge of God’s resurrection power to permeate our lives we will become confident in His ability to deliver us. Paul’s experiences had led him to this place of trust in God and His loving, caring character.
God should always be our first person to go to, but I am also thankful that He has also given us each other to learn and grow with.
We get to live our life with each other, and aren’t you glad? We have each other by His design, for a purpose. One part of this purpose of friendship is the privilege of prayer. It is described here in verse 11 as a help.
…while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many…
2 Corinthians 1:11 CSB
This prayer part of a relationship is not a one sided task of obligation, or even hope. It is an interactive joining of hearts from both parties with the power of the Spirit. This great gift allows us to be involved and invested not only in each other’s struggles, but also the victory!
Paul invited the church to pray with them in affliction, not for selfish reasons. His hope was already in God for the deliverance. He spoke of more people participating in the prayer so that more can praise when the deliverance comes. I love that Paul extended this invitation to pray, but also explained that it has this 2-fold purpose.
I have learned though that the more invested I am in praying for someone’s need, the more I am compelled to praise when the victory is seen. What a privilege to be included in such a sacred space with other Christ followers!
Suffering is going to be a part of our lives. We cannot avoid it, and the Bible tells us time and time again that we will go through hard things. I am so relieved that when I go through these difficult things, God goes with me and is my Deliverer.
The community given to us in the Church is a gift that is beautifully displayed when we pray for one other and with each other.
Teresa Hare 
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