PRESSED OUT OF MEASURE

" . . . that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us" (2 Cor 1:9-10)

In the world, an exalted position excludes the individual from many of the hardships endured by ordinary people. But this is not the case in the Kingdom of God. Those who walk the closest to God, and receive the most from Him, are often required to endure unusual trials.

Paul is a case in point. He speaks of a time when he was pressed, or pushed, beyond human capacity–"above strength." The experience was so intense, he "despaired even of life." He is speaking from a human perspective, affirming that his ministry brought him into circumstances for which flesh and blood was not adequate.

Speaking for the Apostles, he affirmed they received the sentence of death in themselves. He is speaking of the crucifixion of the old man–the removal of self from the throne. Like John the Baptist, he must "decrease," but Christ must "increase" (John 3:30). The reason for the sentence: "that we should not trust in ourselves, but God." This is why He was led into an area where the loftiest and best capacities of nature became impotent. No amount of human strength, ingenuity, reasoning, or self discipline was equal to the occasion. These were circumstances that could only be addressed by faith in God.

Such circumstances remove us from the tendency to trust in ourselves–which is both sinful and foolish. We have been called to trust in God Who raises the dead. He has no limitations–and we have been called to Him! Being pressed "beyond measure," even to the point of wondering whether we are going to live or die, does not push us beyond the power of faith. It only opens the door to faith, making it more reasonable to believe, and more unreasonable to trust in the flesh. This is God's way of bringing us closer to Him.

When life deals you a hard blow, and you seem to be "burdened excessively, beyond our strength" (NASB), look up! This is the Lord working with you, showing you the impotence of nature, or what you are outside of Christ. Your only adequacy is found in Christ, and made available to you by your faith or trust. The pressing burdens of life are designed to teach us these things, and provoke us to cast all of our care and hope upon the Lord alone.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I thank You that even though my trials are often large to me, they are only a small thing for You.

-- MONDAY: A PARTICULAR GOSPEL --