Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthian church in one of his most difficult seasons. He had seen many triumphs in his ministry, but we should not think it was all like this. He speaks here about “the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia”. He says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself”. Later in the letter he says, “When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within” (7:5). Such vulnerability from a leader in the ancient world was unheard of. Leaders gained respectability by strength and triumph. But here is Paul in absolute weakness, battered by hardships, imprisonment and persecution. He had won some battles but now he seems beaten down and at the end of himself. But this is the point, and this is what makes this letter a diamond amongst Paul’s writings. In this dark place God had said to Paul: “My power is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). There is a remarkable kind of humility that bleeds through this moving letter of Paul. As you read it, try to catch this perspective and feel Paul’s heart. As hard as this period was for Paul, it is here that he discovers a new depth of discipleship. He testifies in this letter to a beautiful intimacy with God as he struggled through seeming defeat and discouragement. It is in the darkest places that we see the light most clearly.
Ask God for the encouragement and strength you need.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
