Continuous Deliverance

*This article first appeared in the July issue of Faith on Every Corner Magazine.

A few months ago my 15-year-old daughter made a bracelet of her favorite Bible verse at a youth group event. With beaded letters she spelled out “Gal two twenty” (representing Galatians 2:20). Wanting to be cool like her, I insisted we go to Wal-Mart to gather supplies for making more Scripture bracelets. Since then I’ve made seven and have loved wearing these fun reminders of God’s truth! I decided to make one for my friend so I texted her to ask her favorite Bible verse. Her response was 2 Corinthians 1:10. 

Admittedly, I had to look this one up as it wasn’t one I knew off the top of my head. What I found was a sweet verse within one of the most comforting and encouraging passages of Scripture. In verse 3 of chapter one God is described as the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” What a wonderful reminder of who our God is! The Apostle Paul then describes the purpose of affliction and discusses how we can comfort others with the comfort we have received. 

Then in verse eight, Paul describes a time when he and his fellow ministers felt “utterly burdened beyond [their] strength that [they] despaired of life itself.” What an honest description of the burdens we often carry in this life! Contrary to popular belief, sometimes it is all too much for us. But Paul assures us there is a glorious purpose in these trials. He said, “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (v. 9). 

All of that brings us to verse 10- a glorious verse about the hope we have in God to deliver us: “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.” What a fantastic promise to cling to in times of grief, discouragement, and uncertainty. Our God has delivered us, and He will continue to do so until Christ comes again.  

I’m so thankful my friend shared this verse with me- and that I was able to share this Scripture bracelet with her! The words of “two Cor one ten” are words I will read again and again. I pray you find comfort in them as well.