The Sentence of Death

II Corinthians 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, (NKJV)

If you know anything about the life of Paul, you know that he never had to go looking for trouble- trouble had a way of finding him. Maybe you feel the same way. Indeed, if you are a true Christian, then you know full well that the enemy is always out to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Sometimes the trials of life can become so severe that we feel as if a death sentence is hovering over us. It can feel so overwhelming that even the strength to pray seems to escape us. In these times especially, we must learn not to trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead! Our God specializes in the "hard cases." There was a gospel song written and recorded a few years back entitled "God likes to work when nothing else will." This is a truthful situation. Think back to Lazarus for a moment- four days in the grave and yet one word from the Master was all it took to bring him back to life.

There are times when God allows us to be in these places. It is not that God wants to exact extraordinary punishment and affliction upon us. It is the trying of our faith that is more precious than gold. In these dark hours, we learn that God is able even to raise the dead. I think we would all prefer to escape the fiery furnace, but there are indeed times when we must go in headfirst. We can rest assured though, that the fourth man will be in the furnace along side of us (Daniel 3:25). Paul had confidence that even though the sentence of death hung over him, that God would yet deliver him (II Cor 1:10). I want to encourage you today- you may feel as if the sentence of death is hanging over you like a black cloud- but our God is able to deliver you!

For Him- even death is no big deal!

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