“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers,
of the affliction we experienced in Asia.”
II Corinthians 1:8-11

If the apostle Paul felt it was important to get real, what is the take home lesson for us in this passage he wrote to the church in Corinth? Ignorant is a strong word that truly fits living in denial.

8 “For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we
despaired of life itself.”

Yes…committed, sold out men like Paul become burdened beyond strength. Elijah wanted to die immediately following the powerful manifestation by God on his behalf in front of the prophets of Baal. He ran into the wilderness and lay down to die. Jeremiah cried a lot and David lamented about dark times and sorrowful moments in the Psalms he composed. You can love God with all of your heart, yet pass through really tough days, weeks and years.

9 “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.”

Let’s get real…it can feel like that.

10 “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

Paul knew the power of joint prayer. Prayer is the tool God has given us to fight life with. We must pray for ourselves and one another. The apostle had great confidence in the throne of grace, yet he desired the help of others prayers. We must help each other through prayer.

In February of 2009, I despaired of ever being in full time ministry again. The grief was deep and I longed to be in full time discipleship again. I was working at Job and Family Services and I came home from work one day and felt like I didn’t even want to face life anymore. I didn’t even get my coat off…I just stood and sobbed in my living room. Out of the blue my door opened and there stood my dear friend Pat Navin. She sized up the situation, told me to sit and proceeded to lay prostrate on the floor of my living room holding my ankles and praying in the Spirit. There she was in her beautiful blue business suit and heels…holding my ankles and praying. What humility. Something broke that day. My heart wanted to go on. I have no doubt my dear friend interceded on my behalf and God responded. Two months later our Senior Pastor asked me to apply for a position on staff and I eventually was hired.

Little did I know, two years to the month later, I would sit by her bedside and intercede on her behalf as she drifted from this life to the next.

We need each other to make it home!