2 Corinthians 1:8-10 KJV
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

If you read the book Acts and mainly Paul's missionary trips and compare to the letters he writes to each church there becomes a bigger picture of Paul's journey. Also the Apostle letters crisscross the early church as well(James, John, and Peter). Back to the passage above it is believed to go with Acts 19:22-41 concerning the trouble Paul and friend came to in the area of Asia. Diana was the goddess there in Ephesus and the silversmith was not about to loose his money by people not buying idols of silver he made. Paul said man could not make gods of stone or silver. The debate or fight was being taken to a huge arena where if Paul and his friends went he be surely put to death. Paul wanted to go but had to many against him including the town clerk a jew. Sometimes I wonder about people when they stand up or desire to stand up in a situation bigger then themselves. Yet the truth is we must look at the whole picture of David and Goliath and Daniel in the lions den and know the persecution of the church was and is real.

Did God change his war tactics with the church. After all ever time and even at the time of exile God did rescue the Jewish people. Why is war of words handled with persecution and not always a glorious revival? Has God changed? I do not think it has because God changed. If Israel lost a battle it was because they were not in obedient to God. When they won a great battle the Jews glorified God. Yet Ephesus for Paul and his Christian brothers and sisters recognize the sound of war being greater then those who were still learning about the power of Christ and his Father God.

One as to acknowledge their own limitations. I definitely was not well earlier this week or last. I had lost most of my energy. My husband was in the hospital over the weekend. I was concerned if I could handle dog duty for a few days or even longer because how I felt. I realize it might define a time of giving up my pets. I began to feel better as kenny was getting well in the hospital. We had people praying all over. Dog duty is still left for me until after this coming weekend along with other chores. My pain under control for me and feeling better. There is a point. God was showing me dont despair just trust in Jesus, keep focus. I felt that about writing the pass few weeks with cancer diagnoises but I got to keep focus on Jesus not the storm. I have been through worse storms. Sometimes God gives opportunities to minister to someone, we are not expecting. I do not need to know a person to pray for them because God knows them. God allows his light to shine at times one would think revival would breakout. Then there other times we desire because no sign of revival and are despairing about the problem because the problem is bigger then we can handle but not bigger for God to handle. In Ephesus the Ephesian church was started. The church would grow in the way God planned in peace, harmony and example to the people of Ephesus of who Christ people are. God's way is not always defeating the enemy with one fruit punch but several fruit punches of love. Fruit of faith, hope, and love.

Recognize your limitations and give your despair to God for his glory. All things is to be done by the will of God. Jesus went to the cross because of God's will but rose the third day in victory. He paid the price of our sin debt.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you recognizing our ability, knowing our will and way because of your power and ability is bigger then arena of thousands. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 KJV
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Acts 19:22-41 KJV
22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.