“For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 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,” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV). Instead of becoming victims of a spirit of fear, Paul’s apostolic team was delivered from both present and future fears by reliance upon “God who raises the dead” instead of themselves. Good move. Too often we allow bad circumstances to cast doubt upon God’s love and power, but the right response is to be fully delivered from self-dependence. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him,” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV). Father deliver me from self-reliance and grant me grace and faith to take hold of Your resurrection power.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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