QT 6/24/2025 2 Cor 11:28–33, People worries

2 Corinthians 11:28–33 (ESV) —

28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

 

NOTE: It looks like I got ahead of myself yesterday in stating that Paul struggles with anxieties and worries too. It is a very human thing and even though we have promises from God, that does not take away the fear completely. I did wonder yesterday why Paul was indignant (the Greek word puroo means to burn), and I think it was because he was not accepted at some of the churches, like Corinth, even though he had poured so much of his life into them. Paul was unappreciated and his teaching was being replaced by "super-apostles." He had poured out his life for others, and the enemy was stealing his joy.

 

I don't think there is anything quite as depressive as those you love turning from you or watching them make foolish moves after warning them. It hurts and Paul was hurting. If people could hurt Paul, we should not be surprised when someone hurts us. Don't give up. Try, as Paul was doing, to restore the relationship. And pray positively for the other person.

 

I have found that boasting of the things I do not do well, helps in developing a bond with people. I can't sing and I am forever mixing metaphors. I create words because I can't remember the actual word. I'm poor at telling jokes unless they involve something stupid I did. And so, by doing the opposite of boasting, I find more connection with people.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I been hurt by someone? I need to pray positively for that person
2. Am I depressed because of anxious thoughts and worries? Don't give up, but keep praying and trust that God is at work. He cares. He knows what is best. He promises to bring good out of a situation

 

PRAYER: Father, I can't think of any relationships where someone has a grudge or hurt against me. But I also realize that I may be unaware. I do struggle with anxieties for my family and home at times. I continue to give those things to you. I cast them upon you. I pray as James promised:

 

James 1:17 (ESV) — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

 

Thank you for all the gifts that you give.