Even Paul Despaired

The Apostle Paul "despaired of life" when he was serving the Lord. This 1-minute devotion explains how we can overcome despair like Paul did. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

 Have you ever been discouraged or depressed and felt like your depression was a sign that you lacked faith?

I have.

But I discovered something interesting. 

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, the godly, uncompromising, Spirit-filled Apostle Paul admits he “despaired of life” during a difficulty. 

 This man, who wrote about 30% of the New Testament, still felt despair at times. 

Despair and depression are a consequence of the fall. 

 Some of us will experience these things. And when we do, we need not feel like failures.

Instead, we can do what the Apostle Paul did in this passage:

 1. Set our hope fully on God (v.10)

 2. Ask for the help and prayers of others (v.11) 

-------------- 

If you sometimes have questions...hard questions about God...you might find the HARD QUESTIONS ARCHIVE helpful. Bookmark it and go back and read each of the devotions archived there.
 
Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes
Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

The Apostle Paul "despaired of life" when he was serving the Lord. This 1-minute devotion explains how we can overcome despair like Paul did. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible


The Apostle Paul "despaired of life" when he was serving the Lord. This 1-minute devotion explains how we can overcome despair like Paul did. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible


Bible Love Notes

13 comments:

  1. Meghan CarverSeptember 28, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    I love your one-minute notes, Gail. I've been despairing recently over events that are out of my control, but I'm always encouraged to read that even our heroes of faith despaired or were depressed at times. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. gmerianSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    I like Meghan have been depressed, I feel like God has called me into ministry but feel unworthy sometimes. This really encouraged me!

    ReplyDelete
  3. NaomiSeptember 30, 2012 at 12:44 AM

    Gail...I loved this post. What encouragement that we have an answer to feeling despair. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I always enjoy your biblelovenotes. Today's was especially timely. I've been despairing a lot lately. Multiple health problems in all family members, most blaming me. While I'm having my share myself. I'm wearing a cardiac monitor for a month I got Friday afternoon. Prayers would be appreciated.
    Love, your Sister,
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownOctober 1, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Gail I really needed this today.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JerraleaOctober 2, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    That's a good word!

    Setting our hope in God is the answer to all of our difficulties.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Paula @ All Things MomsOctober 2, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    I love this particular passage of scripture - it reminds us that even a man who so obedient and strong as a Christian moments where he was discouraged. It's comforting to know when we go through these moments that God will lead us out!

    ReplyDelete
  8. NitalinbOctober 3, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    So short and sweet on a topic I wrote on at length today.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Crystal @ Serving JoyfullyOctober 4, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    Thanks for sharing at Thriving Thursday :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. JudithOctober 4, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    So encouraging, Gail, I will hide these words of yours, from Paul, through God's Word working in our hearts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JudithOctober 4, 2012 at 10:46 PM

      Oops, again I forgot!! I get so focused on what I am reading!!

      Thanks for linking up over at WholeHearted Home this week. I just love your sweet posts. I have to learn to write like that since I appreciate them so much.

      Delete
  11. betty-NZOctober 7, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    It's good to know that there is a real and achievable solution.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownJanuary 15, 2019 at 10:13 AM

    I enjoy the one minute daily notifications and I value your team. Blessings to your prosperous 2019!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)