Not Rely on Ourselves

"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." 2 Cor 1.9

For us in the US, there is such an increase in violence that we may indeed feel the "sentence of death". Lately, there has been a overwhelming level of destruction in what would be called a "first world nation". Medical personal, police have been killed...seemingly, in many cases, for the purpose of killing.

This passage in Corinthians speaks of the difficulties and sufferings that the early church was facing on all side. Rome wasn't necessarily pleased with these newfangled Christians---disturbing the riotous, raunchy fun at the gods' temples. The Jewish leaders were incensed at these people who, to them, were being disrespectful beyond all reason. Not to mention the "stupidity" of the whole idea that some man came back to life after death.

Hardships vary in intensity. Some have us, as the martyr, literally slaughtered for the faithful actions they continued. Some hardships are only those of a bad day. Some are more chronic, such as illness, a difficult-to-break habit, etc. The "lesser" hardships may not lead to death, but still may lead to a type of death----death of faith.

When we are determined to rely on our own abilities, we are soon depleted and discouraged. Consider as an example the fact most businesses have multiple employees. One may answer phones, one may bookkeep, one may build the product, one may handle shipping, etc. The larger the business, the more employees needed to be able to handle the work load.
Now, in our personal lives, there are two choices. We may handle our work load alone, and as time passes, we begin to face more and more anxiety, depression and illness.
Or we may team up with Someone, and have a stronger partner than we might ever hope to find. Only then can we face the difficulties we find in life successfully...only then do we have a chance of avoiding the anxiety and depression of fighting battles alone.