Despair of Life

Despair of Life

2 Cor 1:8-11 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 the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 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.

We received a call for prayer for someone who is married to an extended family member. The man in need of prayer suddenly was suffering some very strange symptoms. I don’t have a lot of details, but he was in a dire place. After tests, they have decided that he has Guillain Barre Syndrome. The symptoms include rapidly progressive muscle weakness and tingling. Typically starting in the legs, spreading upward thru the body. It can eventually cause paralysis, breathing difficulties and problems breathing. There is no cure but there are medications for it. They say that it can take from 7 months to a year to see good results from the medications. This man is in his early 40’s, has 2 little girls and a wife. They depend on him. Their lives are turned upside down. Unfortunately, we probably all know people going thru something traumatic. Something life changing and horrible. Thankfully, we do not despair alone. As we saw with Paul in 2 Corinthians, we have a God who will never leave us, who is our healer and protector. Sometimes it seems a little trite to say, “don’t worry, God’s got this.” Because the person in peril isn’t always ready to receive that. We just want our lives to go along without these horrible problems. But I can’t name you one person who has reached retirement age who has not experienced a life altering challenge. Recently, Helmar has experienced loss. Wonderful people who are now sitting at the feet of Jesus. Leaving their loved ones to grieve. 

1 Thes. 4:13-14  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

Father God, protector and healer, thank you for being with us every step of this life. You have given us an amazing world and an amazing life, but with it often comes trials. Some meant to help us grow in faith. Help us to praise you in every storm. AMEN

Shirlene Peterson