Today’s Encouragement is, “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
Rely Only on God –
Paul describes in the previous verses that he had recently experienced so much trouble that he thought he was going to die. He then explains that he now understands the reason for such suffering.
And the reason? He learned to rely only on God! And He stopped relying on himself.
This message stands in stark contrast to the prevalent worldview, which advocates for self-reliance, positive thinking, and personal truth (“I decide what is my truth”). Though these ideas may contain elements of truth, they are ultimately from ‘the world.’
But only Jesus IS the Truth, only God reveals the Truth, and only God can be relied upon. People will always fail you; they often fail themselves, so they will certainly fail you. And so will all the world’s slogans, theories, and philosophies.
Rely only on God. Notice that this realization came to Paul through great suffering. Sometimes, we have to learn that way, but we also can learn, if we will, from the experiences and teaching of others: the hard way or the easy way. We choose.
Choose wisely, my friend. Read, listen to, hear, and heed the wisdom of this precious gift that God has given us, His Word. Rely only on God. He alone is reliable!
Father God, help us to rely on You and trust in You alone!
You Are My Hiding Place
Selah
Today’s Encouragement 