Responding?

2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

It has been said that life is what happens to us and how we respond.

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!  Galatians 6:11

From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.  Galatians 6:17

Paul Had Been For Jesus Christ – In His .  2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Notice the word “”. It means .

How Did Paul Handle “”?

1^st He had a perspective.

2^nd He trusted in God . (vs. 9-10)

Notice the word “”

His focus is on God’s which made him into God’s alone.

in himself had away.

Paul’s life at this point paints the picture of life in the . (Matthew 26:36-48)

For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you! For I think, God has exhibited us, the apostles, last of all as men condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to mankind. We are fools on account of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are without honor!  Up to this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed and roughly treated and homeless;   1 Corinthians 4:7-11

Remember: It’s not what happens to us, but how we to it.

3^rd Paul kept his eye on what he .

Paul to see through the eyes of – it is a .

Focusing on the makes the times passable. (2 Corinthians 11:21-28)

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!  Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Strength comes from weakness and in it.

Let’s Take A Look At Ourselves.

• You are where God you.
• You can look at , or .
• Decide to God.
• Admit your .
• It’s time to – it’s not a bad word – send up the flag.