Sometimes things happen that make us ask all kinds of questions. For many of those questions, there is not an answer (or maybe not a “satisfactory” answer). When we cannot find an answer, it often drives us further into the abyss of doubt, fears, heartache, isolation and despair. Once we are down there, it is hard to get out.
The apostle Paul has been where you are. (Actually, he was in far worse places.) There were times when he “despaired even to life” (2 Cor. 1:8). There were times when he was “hard pressed on every side,” “perplexed” and basically “struck down” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). What did he do?
Write these down. In context, (1) Paul did not “trust in” himself “but in God” (2 Cor. 1:9). (2) Paul found “help” in the “prayers” of his brethren (1:11). (3) Paul found reasons to give “thanks” (1:11; 4:15). (4) Paul focused on what he could do for others, especially his brethren (1:12, 15-16; 4:15). (5) Paul set his sights on the “eternal weight of glory” (4:17-18; 1:14). (6) Paul preached Jesus (4:5-14). I challenge you to emulate Paul in all six areas and see what happens.