2 Corinthians 1:6 – “If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will receive even more comfort to pass on to you for your deliverance! For the comfort pouring into us empowers us to bring comfort to you. And with this comfort upholding you, you can endure victoriously the same suffering we experience.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated upon the Word, something unshakable gripped my heart in Numbers 23 and the story of Balaam and Balak. Balaam made a powerful declaration “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent; has He not said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not establish it?” (v. 19).

He spoke absolutes! 

• God is… that is the first principle of life.
• God is not a man… He is other than us, not limited but unlimited.
• God’s words (promises or commands) are done before they are heard.

We need to grasp those absolutes.   If we do, we can embrace the revelation of suffering, difficulty, and trial Paul revealed in 2 Corinthians.

2 Cor. 1:6 – Is a Game Changer!  That attitude and perspective make it impossible to fail but guarantee a victorious attitude in every situation.   In verse 9, Paul reveals the true lesson of trials in our lives. “It HAS taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place our trust in the God who raises from the dead.”   We need to shift our focus from self and receive God’s Grace!

In 2 Cor. 4:7-18 his discourse gives a clear, simple pattern and mindset for continual victory.   Troubles are temporary, but Grace is eternal. Our difficulties empower us to empower others to endure with hope.

In verse 13, he gives a needed revelation: “First I believed, then I spoke.”  Notice the order. It is first believing, then speaking, or declaring. It is not declaring trying to believe.  He is not saying it to convince himself, others, or God. It is declaring because we have believed.

Our focus shifts from what we see, the temporal earthly to the invisible eternal.  If we focus on God’s promise, not our seemingly present reality, we will walk in a victory otherwise impossible, and trials will shipwreck us.

We need to embrace the absolutes and realize the value of trials, the power of grace, and the reality of God’s kingdom realm. We need to shift our focus from living in absorbed self-centeredness and desire to be poured out for Him. In that place, His power and provision are released in a dynamic beyond our dreams.

It’s available to you!  Seize the Promise and the Day and Rejoice in Jesus.  Today is your day to shine in God’s Grace and Provision!