We do not want you to be uninformed,  brothers,  about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt 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 perils, & He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10). Paul does not give details  about their hardships in Asia, although his accounts of all three missionary journeys record many difficult trials he faced. He felt they were going to die, & realized that they could do nothing to help themselves - they simply had to rely on God. We often depend on our skills & abilities when life seems easy, but we turn to God when we feel unable to help ourselves. Depending on God is a realization of our own powerlessness without Him, & our need for His constant touch in our lives. God is our source of power, & we receive His help by keeping in touch with Him. With this attitude of dependence,  problems will drive us to God rather than away from Him. Learn how to rely on God daily. Meet Him in His Word daily. Be devoted to prayer & the Word. Obey God & His Word in total. By way of testimony,  I have faced many hardships, severe trials for my Christian faith. Sometimes, i felt that i was not going to come out of them because of their severity.  But God is faithful,  He delivered me out of them all. This has taught me to depend on God & not on myself. This I now do as I live the crucified life. Praise the Lord. Thank you Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Prayer: Father,  I pray for all those who are going through trials & tests. Open their eyes to see Your past deliverances in their lives & let this serve to give them hope & to strengthen their faith. Cause them to realize that You have delivered them in the past, You will deliver them today, & that You will continue to deliver them always in the future. I intercede for Your people. Thank you Jesus for giving me the opportunity to do so. In Jesus mighty name we pray, & believe, Amen. God bless you all.

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