What's on Your Mind '09? - 2 Corinthians 1

What's on Your Mind '09? is a blog carnival started by Shane at Heart Reflections to challenge writers and encourage conversation. And this week's assignment is to:

Read 2 Corinthians chapter 1 and share what moves in your heart.

Are you familiar with that chapter? The one that talks about Paul's hardships being used by God? He says we can comfort others because we have received comfort from God.
And I fully agree.
I love it when God uses the hard times I have faced as a mom to encourage and comfort other moms.
Absolutely love it!

However, as I read over this chapter again in preparation for this post, there was one verse in particular that grabbed my heart and spoke. You may not be surprised to learn that the verse starts with a big BUT. (If you haven't watched my devotion about big BUTs yet, click here!)
Paul spoke about the severe hardships he faced, to the point of feeling like he had been sentenced to death. And then he said,

But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
2 Corinthians 1:9

I have never felt like I have received a sentence of death, but some days I have sincerely wanted to quit. I have wanted to turn in my Mommy badge and go back to being "just Karen." During those moments I have entertained thoughts of running away, and wondered if my kids would be better off without me.
And ultimately those moments have found me in tears on my knees, crying out to God as I realize once again, I cannot do this mothering thing - or any of life - without Him.
I cannot.
I cannot.
But with Him, I can.
Paul said, "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
He raises the dead. He is that powerful.
And as I go through some incredibly challenging times I am reminded that I cannot rely on myself. I must rely on God - who is all powerful.

Indeed, God comforts me in my hard times and allows me to offer that comfort to others. He uses my hard times for the good of those around me. And I love it when He works that way.
Today, however, He is impressing me with the fact that my hard times are also for my good. My hard times cause me to rely on God - who raises the dead. My hard times cause me to rely on God - who can handle every single situation in which I find myself.
I cannot navigate through this life on my own, and God - in His graciousness - works in my circumstances to draw me to Himself.
He is that good.

But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
2 Corinthians 1:9

That's how He touched my heart today. How 'bout you???
If you'd like to read more 2 Corinthians 1 thoughts, visit Shane.