Sermon Notes...I Can't But God Can

2nd Corinthians 1:8-11 (New Living Translation) 8 We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,[b] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. 9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Introduction: There is liberation in the truth. Jesus said that "...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)" We're guilty of offering some tales, in the place of truth. "God never puts more on us, than we can bare." That sounds good, but it's not good and sound!

Transition: Our text uncovers human frailty to pressure, and our need for God to be present and active in our lives. We don't know what Paul meant about the trouble he'd experienced in Asia (not the continent we know now). However, just because we don't know what he went through, doesn't mean he didn't go through it!

Exposition: Sometimes to purpose of your struggle, is to let you know what you can't do, to give you the testimony that God can!

   -I can't avoid life's pressure
      -Salvation, smarts and strength aren't barriers

   -But God can and will rescue us
      -Keep the faith
      -Pray for one another
      -Your testimony is a resource