“Brothers and sisters, you need to know about the severe trials we experienced while we were in western Turkey. All of the hardships we passed through crushed us beyond our ability to endure, and we were so completely overwhelmed that we were about to give up entirely. It felt like we had a death sentence written upon our hearts, and we still feel it to this day. It has taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place all of our trust in the God who raises the dead.” — 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 (TPT)

There are seasons in life that break us to our core—moments when the weight of pain, loss, or disappointment feels more than we can bear. Paul, one of the strongest examples of faith in Scripture, admits that he reached a place where he was “completely overwhelmed” and ready to give up.

But this passage shows us something beautiful: even in the crushing, God is teaching us something eternal. Paul says that through the hardship, “it has taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place all of our trust in the God who raises the dead.”

When life strips us of our strength, it’s not to destroy us—it’s to redirect us. God allows certain seasons to empty us of self-reliance so that we can fully rely on Him. The God who raises the dead is not intimidated by what feels impossible. What looks like an ending to us is simply the stage for His resurrection power to be revealed.

When you feel like you can’t go on, remember: that’s where grace begins. Your breaking point can become your turning point. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead can raise your hope, your faith, and your future.

When life feels unbearable, remember—resurrection power begins where human strength ends.

Prayer:

Father, when I am crushed beyond what I can endure, teach me to stop relying on my own strength and to trust fully in You. Help me remember that You are the God who raises the dead—nothing is too far gone for You. In my weakness, be my strength. In my despair, be my hope. I place my full confidence in You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.