…that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us.
2 Corinthians 1:8b-10 NKJV
I took a life-saving course one glorious teenage summer at our city pool. In order to pass the course, I had to tread water for several minutes. I don’t plan on getting stranded at sea because treading water wears you out.
Sometimes we tread the waters of life, while waiting for our rescue. Many circumstances can leave us in that sea of hopelessness: health, relationships, finances, careers, anxiety, and depression. When life stinks, we don’t have to sink.
Our focal verses were penned by the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest Christians to walk this earth. Although Paul was drowning in despair, his words offer hope.
First, Paul said they were burdened beyond measure. Paul had traveling companions on his missionary journeys, and he doesn’t elude to the specific overwhelming incident that occurred in Asia. Good, because that can be our immeasurable burden. Something we can’t carry any longer. Something as heavy as luggage without wheels.
Next, Paul says they were above strength. They lacked the power to deal with this massive weight. The choppy waters had zapped them of all strength.
Finally, Paul and his friends “despaired even of life.” They had the sentence of death in them. The stormy waters they treaded threatened their lives. They thought they might not make it.
Sounds like Paul had reached an all-time low, and he could do nothing to remedy the situation. Have you been there? Treading waters beyond measure? Without strength? So desperate that you have thought about ending it all? I have, but Paul has thrown us a life preserver.
Paul says we can’t trust in ourselves, but in God. We know that, but I find myself trusting in Carolyn without realizing I am leaning on myself and not God. Self-reliance is part of our fallen nature.
We trust in God who raises the dead. Friend, we have that spirit of resurrection living within us, but we have to depend on God, not ourselves.
Lastly, Paul proclaims that God delivered them, and God will deliver us. Deliverance is always available. That gives us reason to hope.
I thank God for including the human frailties of saints such as Paul in Scripture. I don’t feel so alone and weak. I am assured that God will deliver me from the crashing waves and plant me on a firm foundation.
Friend, today, I want to share that encouragement with you. Whatever waters try to pull you under, grab onto the rope of hope that has been thrown to you. Trust in the God who delivers us. When life stinks, we don’t have to sink.
Heavenly Father, give us the strength only You can give to help us continue treading water until You deliver us from our storms. We trust only in You, and we are convinced that when we trust, you will deliver us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Psalm 40:2 NKJV
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps
HIKING THE TRAIL
We don’t have to tread rough waters alone. Our strength comes from God. Ask God to show you where you may be depending on self, rather than relying on Him.
A resource to help you learn to trust God more through the storms is Eyes of Faith: Winning the
Battle Between Our Feelings and our Faith
Originally posted on September 18, 2020 @ 10:50 pm