2 Corinthians 1:8
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
What does it mean to be Desperate?
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The Desperate feel HOPLESS
2 Corinthians 1:9a
We had the sentence of death in ourselves…
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The Desperate feel Helpless
2 Corinthians 1:8b
…we were pressed out of measure, above strength…
3. The Desperate feel HAPLESS
2 Corinthians 1:8c
…insomuch that we despaired even of life:
How Can we Experience Inspiration in times of Desperation?
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God is ALWAYS THERE – You are Not ALONE!
1 Corinthians 1:8
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia,
that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that WE despaired even of life:9
1 Corinthians 1:8 AMP
….that WE despaired even of life [itself].
Despair is the utter absence of any sense of hope, accompanied by a feeling of powerlessness.
It looks at the world, notes its emptiness and concludes that life is not worth it. Despair leads to resignation and possibly even to suicide.
Dan Allender
“For more than a week I was close to the gates of death and hell. I trembled in all my members. Christ was wholly lost to me ….
The content of the depressions was always the same, the loss of faith that God is good and that He is good to me.”
Martin Luther
“I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go through.”
Charles Spurgeon
2 Corinthians 7:4-6
4 … I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
2 Corinthians 7:7 NASB
7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.
He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
2 Corinthians 1:24
24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
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God Is NEVER DESPERATE – TRUST HIM!
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that WE WERE pressed out of measure, above strength,
insomuch that we DESPAIRED even of life:
9 But WE HAD the sentence of death in ourselves,
that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
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God Has NEVER FAILED YOU! – HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU NOW!
1 Corinthians 1:9-10
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver:
in whom we trust that HE WILL YET DELIVER US;
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God has Always PROVIDED for you – PRAISE HIM!
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;