8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, 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. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Personally, I am one who is fascinated by destiny. I love the idea that some things are “meant to be”. I draw comfort from trusting that God has known everything since eternity past, especially when life seems like a 5000-piece puzzle, jumbled in a heap. Today’s passage showed that even the apostle Paul had burdens so heavy that he despaired of life! Who else suffered like that? Jesus Christ, of course, who was crushed with our condemnation. The Good News is that, if we share in His sufferings, we also share in is glorious resurrection! How can we not? Do not lose hope when things are out of your hands. Instead, rejoice that our destiny always has been and always will be to be united with our beloved Father. Let us pray for those with burdens and despair – that God’s grace would be received by them, especially our brothers and sisters in persecution.
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