“Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again, as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.” 2 Corinthians 9-11 NASB.

1. Paul reminds us to focus on Jesus Christ and not on our personal strengths and ambitions.
2. Prayer is sometimes overlooked, perhaps, because we are too comfortable with the presence of the Holy Spirit. His presence is always, but we must have a ‘talk with Jesus’ each and every day. 
3. As Paul reminded those in Corinth let us remember his statement, “He delivered us.”

Because you and I have walked through this life, some have been around more than others, and we have had our difficulties just as Paul did. Paul’s, for the most part, were far more treacherous than my own. “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?” 2 Corinthians 11:24-29. With this in mind, the Apostle writes, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13.

My personal life ‘in Christ’ is nothing compared to Paul’s journey, but after 7 decades I have learned to listen intently to the voice of God every day and by having daily conversations with Him, I know His voice. Prayer is essential as I have learned to trust Him. My prayer for you is to learn to talk with Him and to learn His voice. By doing so, the 23rd Psalm will become your reality.

Jesus is Lord.