Have you ever despaired of life? If so, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul experienced these same feelings as described in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,  you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The truth is we all reach the limits of our human capacity from time to time or in particular areas of our life. Apostle Paul was not immune from this and neither are we. In fact, the bible has numerous examples of this. For example, prophet Elijah, after killing 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:22,40) fled for his life at the threat of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3).

God is our creator and He created us to be dependent on Him. 

Even as Jesus told us we would have affliction, He also let us know He had already overcome the world through His death, burial and resurrection (John 16:33). When we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears (Psalms 34:4).

In our walk with God, we can even get to the point that Apostle Paul did where we can “boast in our infirmities … and take pleasure in [them], in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

We can do this because we recognize that our trials and tribulations produce perseverance, strength of character (maturity) and hope in us (Romans 5:3-4).

In what areas of life have you reached the end of your rope? Is it in a relationship – a difficult spouse/marriage or an addicted parent or a disobedient, wayward child? Is it in the area of finances and struggling to make ends meet for yourself or family? Is it in the area of your health where you may be dealing with persistent issues that have you living less than God’s best for you? Or something else entirely?

Take those things to God in prayer. Search His Word for the answers you need. Proverbs 3:5-6 perfectly sums up the response we should have.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6

“God … comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So be encouraged. Someone is depending on your testimony.