Don’t WORRY, TRUST God! How to TRUST God In Your TRIALS

2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
January 24, 2021

Scripture Reading:

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (ESV) – I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1. You need to realize, as a Christ-follower, you are NEVER exempt from PROBLEMS in life.

2 Corinthians 12:1-6 (NLT2) – This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. 5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,

Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV) – “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV) – In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV) – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

2. You need to realize GOD wants to TEACH you while you go through your TRIALS.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT2) – even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

A. In your trials God wants to teach you to IDENTIFY and FIGHT your PRIDE.

2 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT2) – even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Proud –

Proverbs 16:18 (NCV) – Pride will destroy a person; a proud attitude leads to ruin.

Proverbs 29:23 (ESV) – One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

B. In your trials God wants to teach you to PRAY.

2 Corinthians 12:8 (NLT2) – Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.

Begged –

Luke 18:1 (ESV) – And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Romans 12:12 (ESV) – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Colossians 4:2 (ESV) – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

C. In your trials God wants to teach you to TRUST in His POWER.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT2) – Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Grace –

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV) – May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Questions to Consider

1. What are some weaknesses or afflictions people find the most difficult to live with?
2. Why are people typically afraid to disclose their weaknesses to someone?
3. What does it take to make you willing to disclose your weaknesses to someone else?
4. What are some weaknesses or afflictions that you find difficult to live with?
5. What can you learn from Paul’s example about dealing with physical discomfort or hardship?
6. How can you allow the Lord’s power to take over when and where you are weak?
7. What weaknesses, handicaps or problems in your life has God been able to use to teach you about yourself and Him?
8. What do you need to do to make sure your weaknesses, handicaps or problems in life draw you closer to, and not away from God?
9. How should you respond if God chooses not to heal you?
10. What difference should it make knowing God has promised you an all-sufficient grace?
11. In what area of your life do you want to rely more on God’s strength and power, rather than your own?
12. What weaknesses, handicaps or problems in your life can you turn over to the Lord through prayer this week?