“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves,
that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.”
(2 Corinthians 1:9)
The Lord often brings His people into deep and painful difficulties in order to loosen their confidence in created things and strengthen their dependence on Himself. Left to ourselves, we tend to trust our own wisdom, resources, strength, and earthly securities so long as they appear stable. Yet God in His mercy frequently causes these supports to fail so we may learn where our true strength is found.
Moreover, spiritual habits grow stronger through exercise, just like physical strength increases through labor.[1] Indeed, our faith is strengthened when tested, our patience deepens under affliction, and our hope grows brighter in the darkness. At the same time, pride weakens when self-sufficiency fails and self-confidence diminishes when earthly supports prove unstable. Thus, the Lord uses trials not only to grow our faith but to also expose our weaknesses.
Paul describes this experience as having “the sentence of death” within himself. In other words, his affliction was so severe that all expectation of deliverance from ordinary means disappeared, causing this trial to become the occasion for Paul’s deeper trust in God.
Not only that, but we also experience the attributes of God more clearly through such seasons. His wisdom guides us through confusion. His power becomes evident when we exhaust our strength. His goodness shines brighter when mercies arrive unexpectedly. Such discoveries encourage us to rest more confidently in Him.
Another purpose of these trials is the silencing of Satan’s accusations. The believer’s perseverance under trial is a testimony to the sufficiency of God’s grace to uphold His people even in severe distress.
Thus, “the sentence of death” becomes an instrument of life. By stripping away confidence in our self, God teaches us to rest on His power alone such that our trials become occasions for deeper faith, sweeter mercies, and stronger praise.
Contemplations:
- The Weakness of Creature Confidence. My heart naturally clings to visible supports until those supports begin to fail. Only when earthly securities weaken do I recognize how much confidence I have placed in created things rather than in God Himself.
- The Strengthening of Grace Through Trial. Affliction exposes my weakness, yet it also exercises my faith. And grace often grows most during seasons where comfort is removed and dependence on God becomes unavoidable. So I must remember that what appears destructive to me may actually be sanctifying.
- The Sweetness of Deliverance. Mercies received after times of deep distress are special providences. And divine deliverance is sweeter because danger made my helplessness unmistakable. The contrast between them magnifies the goodness of God to my soul and draws me to worship and thanksgiving.
- The Exposure of Satan’s False Accusations. Trials reveal whether my faith rests in God or in my own supports. And my perseverance under affliction answers the accusations of the enemy and shows the sustaining power of His grace.
Prayer (Supplication):
Most gracious and almighty God, I come before You realizing how deeply self-confidence still remains within my heart. Though I say that I trust in You, I often lean on visible supports, earthly securities, and my own understanding. I ask that You mercifully expose every false confidence within me and teach me to rest wholly on Your power and faithfulness.
Lord, when You bring affliction or difficulty into my life, grant me grace not to waste those trials through unbelief or murmuring. Let every trial drive me nearer to You. And teach me to see Your wise purposes even when I cannot understand Your providence fully.
I ask that You strengthen the graces of Your Spirit within me through every trial. Increase my faith when fear weakens it. Deepen my patience when impatience rises. Strengthen my hope when discouragement presses in all around me. And let every affliction become an instrument for the growth of holiness and the weakening of sinful desires in me.
Lord, when earthly supports fail, keep me from despairing. Instead, teach me to see more clearly the sufficiency of Your wisdom, power, and goodness.
I ask also for perseverance under pressure. Satan seeks to accuse, discourage, and weaken Your people. He desires to prove faith false and devotion shallow. Do not allow his accusations against me to prevail. Sustain my soul by Your grace so that even in difficulty I may continue to trust and obey You.
Lord, grant me wisdom to interpret trials rightly. Keep me from imagining that affliction means abandonment. Remind me that You discipline those whom You love and that Your purposes in suffering are holy and good.
I pray also for deliverance according to Your will. You are the God who raises the dead and rescues those who cannot rescue themselves. When dangers surround me and ordinary means fail, remind me that Your power remains unlimited. Strengthen my confidence not in circumstances but in Your unchanging character. And do not let me forget the mercies You provide after seasons of distress.
Finally, Lord, keep me humble under both affliction and relief. Let trials produce holiness rather than bitterness, and let mercies produce gratitude rather than pride. Preserve me in faith until the end, resting not in myself, but in You alone, who delivers, sustains, and saves.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for 2 Corinthians 1:9:
Jeremiah 17:5; Luke 18:9; Job 13:15; Hebrews 11:19
[1] Simeon Ashe, A Support for the Sinking Heart in Times of Distress, (London: G.H. and are to be sold by Thomas Underhill.., 1642), 9-12.
