A moment of sudden discovery. It’s an epiphany which translates as “striking appearance.” In that moment a previously unsolvable problem becomes suddenly clear and obvious.
Let’s learn from one of Paul’s Aha! moments: “We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:9
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
There are times when God allows something to happen that stops us in our tracks. Something unexpected that keeps us from doing what we want to be doing. Why would God allow it? This can cause us to pull back from our relationship with God.
What can we learn from Paul’s Aha! moment?
God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. – 4
“We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:9
“As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally – not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead!” – 9 The Message
Their activity was limited, being brought to a halt, and they thought they would be killed. God allowed bad things to happen. They saw good come from it because they learned to rely on God.
They realized it was a good thing because of the lesson they learned.
The penny dropped. The light turned on. They had a paradigm shift. They had an Aha! moment.
When God allows something bad to happen it is a perfect time to trust and obey. It’s a time to pray, listen to God, think, and respond to God’s guidance. The more we do this on ordinary days the easier it will come to us on bad days.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
We need this kind of personal relationship with God. When God allows bad things to happen it makes all the difference. Our understandable pain, discouragement, doubt, frustration, or anger is part of the human experience. We must not allow it to cause us to get stuck in our relationship with God. The lesson of 2 Corinthians 1:9 can help us work through our thoughts and feelings about the bad thing that has happened. We can engage in open and honest conversations with God like we read in the Psalms. In this way, we can listen to what God has to say, welcoming God’s guidance, and taking steps out of the pain, discouragement, doubt, frustration, or anger.
We can ask questions. We can learn from the situation.
2 Corinthians 4:7
They learned that their human limitations were not the end of the world, but instead revealed God’s redemptive purpose.
They learned to interact with God’s love that was seen in Jesus.
Ephesians 3:16-19
Experiencing the love of Jesus, helps us learn that God loves us, that God is powerful and worthy of our trust.
This can get the conversation started again in our personal relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 1:3-11
Included in the story:
God brings comfort.
God guides.
God protects.
Praying for each other matters.
Gratitude.
Identity, value, and purpose in sharing Good News.
Learn to rely on God. Get unstuck in your relationship with God. Realizing that the challenge has a lesson. We need God. Rely on God. Trust God. Follow the guidance of God.
What should we do?
1. Ask yourself where this is relevant to you?
2. Have a personal conversation with God about it?
3. Choose to rely on God completely.
4. Choose to receive the love of Jesus.
5. Share the journey with someone else.