April 1, 2012 (Judges 11-12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9 NLT
Observation: Paul and his companions survived terrible persecution in the province of Asia. Their spirit was crushed and overwhelmed beyond their ability to endure. They thought for sure they were going to die. It was there they learned to trust in God only and not their own abilities. They learned they needed God, and Him alone, to provide them victory. God did indeed see them through the trials and provided them comfort only He could provide. After walking through the fire of trials, with God on their side, they were equipped to comfort others along the way.
Application: We often pray and ask God to deliver us from the fiery trials we face. Yet if He delivered us from every uncomfortable situation we found ourselves in, we would have nothing to offer those who are suffering around us. It’s through the fiery trials of life God teaches us to rely, and trust, in Him alone. Our own abilities and tactics only encourage us to trust in ourselves, yet when we trust in God, and Him alone, He recieves all the credit and all the praise. Truly we should give God thanks, and praise, when we find ourselves in situations where only He can fight for us. Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors God and we must learn to give thanks in the good times and the bad.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Thank You for the fiery trials I face that teach me to trust and rely in You alone. My tactics and plans are useless in this fight. My spirit is crushed and I am overwhelmed beyond my ability to endure. I need Your strength. I need Your comfort. Strengthen me and see me through this fire O Lord, for You are my only hope and I rely on You alone, in Jesus name, Amen.