QT 5/13/2025 2 Cor 2:12-17, Surprised in the midst of turmoil

2 Corinthians 2:12–17 (ESV) —

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

 

NOTE: Two different emotions were pulling at Paul's heart, creating a certain turmoil. There was an open door for ministry in Troas, partially as a result of the young man who fell asleep in a window and plummeted to the ground (and healed by Paul), and then there was the very unsettled feeling because of the conflict in Corinth and how the people were going to respond. On top of that, communication was measured in days and weeks, not in a text or phone call. And so he waited, but then decided to head north toward Corinth.

 

It does not have to be clear to know what the right thing is to do. There are times when God will make it very clear, and there are times when one has to just make a decision, hopefully a prayed-through decision.

 

I struggle with a particular worry that I can't seem to cast off. I believe I am in the center of God's will, but I can't let go. I have prayed often. At times, I wake up in the middle of the night. So on one hand, God has made clear my ministry right now, and yet my Spirit struggles with whether I need to take action on another issue. I feel torn. I want to completely trust God, but I wonder if God is expecting me to take some prudent action.

 

I should not forget verses 14-17 where God surprises Paul, and Paul feels so amazed that God uses men like him. I desire that same surprise and feeling.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we caught up in two competing emotions?
2. Are we expecting life to be "hunky-dory" just because we are in the will of God?
3. What does trust in God really mean?

 

PRAYER: Father, you know my fears and my struggles. Once again, I give this burden to you. I want to be surprised by you. I want you to completely take care of it. Is it wrong to ask that of you when the need is real? Lead me and guide me. Teach me wisdom. Take my burden and carry it. May I experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.