Friday, April 24, 2026

Scripture

“He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again.” 2 Corinthians 1:10

Reflections

Many think of Christians as people who are always smiling and happy.  This is not the image we get of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians.

He spoke of his experiences in Asia.  He was incredibly miserable.  He says that he and those who were accompanying him were so “utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself.”  At the same time, we never hear that Paul gave up on God.

When we hit such low points in life, we find ourselves looking up.  The pain of the moment becomes overwhelming, and we look to what lies beyond this life.  Those who have no faith have little basis for hope.  If our faith is in humanity, we will inevitably be let down.  Our hope can only be found in God.  He is the only one who can rescue us from all our life’s troubles.

At the time Paul wrote this, he was also able to look back and see how God did indeed save them in that time of peril.  Like many of us, he looked back with awe, grateful that God had brought them in safety to a new day.

God alone is our rescuer, even from death itself.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for hope that transcends the moment.  Keep my eyes focused upon You no matter what may come my way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10