“OUR SUFFERINGS!”

2 Corinthians 1:7-9                       (ESV)

“7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in “OUR SUFFERINGS”, you will also share in our comfort.

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of THE AFFLICTION we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we DESPAIRED OF LIFE ITSELF.

9 Indeed, WE FELT that we had received the SENTENCE OF DEATH. But that was to make us rely NOT ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD who raises the dead.”

With all of the conversation being spoken about the so-called “Prosperity Gospel”, it makes it difficult to expound on these scripture verses, especially at a time when  Divine Intervention is needed as the banks of the Red Sea are in sight.  When the Apostle Paul (known then as Saul) was “called” into the “marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), JESUS said to Ananias in Acts 9:15-16 “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much HE MUST SUFFER for the sake of MY name."  Surely the CREATOR was more aware than anyone about “OUR SUFFERINGS”???

Now certainly Scripture is filled with a bunch of people who GOD used who experienced earthly wealth.  Immediately, Abraham, King David and his son King Solomon comes to mind when one considers earthly possessions?  King David dreamed of building a temple, and King Solomon was used to build the temple, a masterpiece in honor of ALMIGHTY GOD.  

But great wealth has a drawing to self glorification, and GOD doesn’t share HIS GLORY (Isaiah 42:8) with anyone!  Maybe that is why HIS Word says in the first three Gospels that WE MUST DENY OURSELVES to follow HIM?!?  Being placed in difficult places so HE can be Glorified can be a FAITH CHECK, instead of a GUT CHECK!  We can talk about GOD being GOD, but “walking by FAITH” must sometimes entail not knowing where where your “manna” is coming from?  Even Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:9 that WE FELT that we had received the SENTENCE OF DEATH, but GOD delivered  them from the bondage they were in.  

Unless the return of JESUS comes rapidly, we must prepare for “OUR SUFFERINGS” to continue to manifest themselves and for HIM TO BE GLORIFIED!  We may not relish the thought of going through a purifying fire, but as long as JESUS gets to deliver us from the fire, we should Glory in that HE is magnified.  Romans 8:18 says “OUR SUFFERINGS” of this present time are not worth comparing with the Glory that is to be revealed to us”.  Don’t forget that!!!