⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

 

LOST.

Dusk wrapped in night.

DARKNESS.

Stars invisible to sight.

FEAR.

Moon hidden from light.

DESPAIR.

Mankind’s common plight.

 

When we are so lost into depths of adversity and affliction,

Where it seems hope cannot exist,

It is in these moments the Lord can be heard speaking,

His Light can be seen showing direction,

Breaking through darkness to remove the grip of fear

And the hopelessness of despair.

 

LOST.

Have you been there, in that place?

DARKNESS.

Have you heard Him, in that blackness?

SPEAKING.

Have you seen Him, through the gloom?

BRILLIANT.

Have you thanked Him, for His Presence?

⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)

LOST in DARKNESS, FEAR, and DESPAIR.

We only fully experience these when we are without Christ, when we don’t hear Him and see Him at our side as we go through the afflictions and trials of life.

Lord, help us hear Your Words of guidance and sense Your Abiding Presence with us through times of suffering and of joy.  Help us accept and understand that our lives  are being shaped and molded through trial and adversity for Your higher purposes.  Amen.

 

(Sharon G. Tate blog 02/11/18) teacherforjesus.com Meditations on God’s Word