S) "8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;"
2 Corinthians 1:8 (NASB)
O) During the opening of this letter, Paul mentioned that the comfort we receive as believers is for the sake of then comforting any others who are afflicted (v.4), to the glory of God (v.3). Then, he goes into some specifics, with some surprising details. Here we have Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ, worker of many miracles, evangelist to many countries, intelligent, full of faith; along with Timothy (v.1), a great man of God in his own right; they are described in the above verse as... suicidal? at the very least, they were greatly afflicted and worn down in weakness. Paul is readily admitting it. In the recent culture of the church in the western hemisphere, having such high-profile leaders admitting such dark and heavy times would be unheard of! It could very well shake the faith of their congregation. And yet, Paul already wrote the exact reason he would share such a thing in v.4. We don't know all the details of the circumstances, as to why Paul and Timothy felt such despair, but that might be for the better. With this entire passage (vv.3-11), Paul is taking a hypothetical and making it practical. He is admitting his weakness. He is admitting that he needed comfort from God. He is making clear the severity of his need. All of this for the purpose of comforting his listeners, which honors the Comforter.
A) There have been times when, as a leader in ministry, I have struggled in various ways and been afraid to share that - least of all with those who follow my lead. Whether it's struggling with particular sins, or emotional lows, the fear has been losing the confidence of the people I am meant to lead, by exposing my problems. But, this is playing into the hands of my enemy! God certainly knows my struggles - all of them. It was no mystery to Him, that I would struggle, when He made me a youth pastor, or Bible teacher, or life group leader. He knew that I would need to lean on Him heavily during various times in those roles. It's certainly no different as a dad and husband. So, while isolation plays into the hands of my enemy, what is going to honor God the most, except for me to plainly and specifically, expose my need for Him? That is not to say that I should be confessing my sins to my kids or anything (although, confessing when I have sinned against them is a critical part of parenting), but I should be plain, honest, transparent, and even vulnerable, about the fact that I need God in a very real way, to comfort and sustain me. After all, I am not leading anyone because of my own strength or abilities, but only because of the grace God has shown me! So, what detriment is there in being more specific about the grace that I still receive? None! It only glorifies God all the more to confess that I need His guidance, strength, encouragement, comfort, counsel, mercy, and grace. I should be bold and humble, being as specific as I can (again, using wisdom and discretion about who exactly is hearing it). In every relationship I have, whether I am leading or following, speaking or listening, I want to glorify Jesus Christ as much as I can. If that is continually my aim, then following Paul's example will help get me there.
P) Father, I need You. I need Your Spirit to comfort me when I have disappointments. I need Your strength and guidance when I am tempted. I need Your grace and wisdom when I speak, teach, or lead. I need Your help. I thank You, Lord, that I have seen so much affliction, hardship, and strife in my life. I thank You that I have endured, by Your grace, so much. It has prepared me to minister to all kinds of people, in all kinds of situations. I know that I will never experience everything, but inasmuch as I have gone to You for help in my times of need, I pray that people in similar need will be made known to me, that I might be able to lead them to You as well. People who come from broken homes, feeling abandoned; let me share how You have been my Father. People with abuse running through their family, let me share how You have been a healer and a refuge. People who have struggled with addictions, let me share how You have been a redeemer and deliverer. In this way, I pray that You receive more glory, more honor. I pray that I am able to comfort others with the same comfort I have received. Help me be bold about my need for You, my persisting, continual need. Be glorified, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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