“RELY NOT ON OURSELVES!”

 2 Corinthians 1:8-9                 (ESV)

“[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 FROM THE DEAD.”

Recently I was in a position where I “felt” that I “needed” to receive a WORD from THE LORD regarding where HE wants me to be in able to receive the BLESSING that I BELIEVE HE has PROMISED to me!  HEARING from THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES is an EXTREMELY BLESSED occasion, but it should be something that MORE GROUNDED BELIEVERS have experienced enough to understand that HEARING FROM GOD is NOT something that is available upon our request!  

Isaiah 30:18 says “Therefore THE LORD WAITS to be gracious to you, and therefore HE exalts HIMSELF TO SHOW MERCY TO YOU.  For the LORD is a GOD of justice; BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIM!”  Hebrews 6:15 reminds us “And thus Abraham, having PATIENTLY WAITED, obtained THE PROMISE.”  

For this humble servant, the lesson taught by THE LORD in the text of Scripture above could not be more definitive than “RELY NOT ON OURSELVES” BUT ON GOD WHO RAISES FROM THE DEAD!  Although I wasn’t physically dead, I was spiritually dead until HE CHOSE me to follow HIM!  Shouldn’t that earn HIM the courtesy of me WAITING FOR HIM to fulfill HIS PLAN???