BE INFORMED AND INFORM OTHERS!

BE INFORMED AND INFORM OTHERS!

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. 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. 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, 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. —II Corinthians 1:8-11

             Do we share what is going on in our lives with others as Paul is doing in these verses above?  Are we transparent about our lives and share with others what is going on so they can help us by bring us before the throne of grace through prayer?  Are we too embarrassed, insecure or prideful to ask others to pray for what is going on in our lives?  Then do we give testimony as to how God has answered prayer which gives glory to God and further thanksgiving from those who were praying!?

            Paul and his companions felt they “had received the sentence of death.”  Why do those following Jesus go through such times— even time where “we despaired of life itself?”  Paul gives us the answer— “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” and “On him we have set our hope.”  Is this our attitude and focus?  Whatever it is you are going through it is to help you rely on God.  You are not in control.  He is.  You cannot change the situation.  Only He can or He will give you the grace you need to walk through it.  Also, this is to help us remember that it is He “who raises the dead.”  This should be a great comfort and encouragement to us.  So if we die— we will rise to live forever… in that perfect place with Jesus and all who love Him!  But… are we asking others to pray?  Are we praying for others?

            So let us not only be sharing our needs with others so they can pray for us, but also let us be praying for the needs of others.  “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

Yes, Dear Father, may we be faithful in sharing our needs so others can be bringing us before Your Throne of Grace and then may we be faithfully bringing others before Your Throne of Grace as well.  Then may we give thanks for all Your answers.  May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW_YCMxpq_E

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