An Unfiltered Life

GETTING STARTED

When was your last “LOL” (laugh-out-loud) moment? Really think about that, because it will probably bring someone to mind that isn’t afraid to be unfiltered. They are able to be themselves without the fear of judgment or anxiousness about saying the wrong thing. They lay their thoughts and emotions out for you to hear.

In the passage below, Paul’s situation was no laughing matter. But he, too, was a man with unfiltered emotions. He voiced the struggles that we too often keep silent.

  • When was the last time you spoke honestly about your struggles to another person? To God?

READ THE WORD: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-11 (ESV)

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What had Paul experienced, and how did he describe the aftermath (vss. 8-9)? What did he conclude about these things?
  2. Upon whom did Paul say he and his colleagues relied (vs. 9)?
  3. What truth about God did they rest in (vs. 10)? Make a list of all the ways God delivered them; consider all the ways he has delivered you from your burdens.
  4. Paul revealed his trust in God, yet also invited others to help in what way (vs. 11)? Why?
  5. Is there something that is making you feel “utterly burdened” or causing you to despair “of life itself”? If so, to whom have you made that known?

RESPOND TO GOD

When you or I experience adversity, we often think, “I got myself into this mess, and I have to get myself out of it.” But it’s a lie to believe that no one will understand our situation, or that others will judge us. The truth is that we make circumstances worse when we try to deliver ourselves out of our own troubles. We miss out on the intimacy felt when we cry out to God. We miss the growth of our faith as we overcome our pride and ask for help and prayer. The beauty of this passage is Paul’s unfiltered honesty and his reminder that God is our deliverer.

  • Take time now to invite God into your present circumstances. Ask for his deliverance and help. Invite a trusted person in your life to “help [you] by prayer.”
  • Allow your prayers to be a comfort and support for others also experiencing hardship.