Suffering isolates. It crushes the spirit, weighs down the heart, and tempts even the strongest believers to retreat into silence. The burden feels too personal, too heavy to lay before others. Yet, this very instinct to withdraw can rob both us and those around us of something sacred—the opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness, to serve in obedience, and to be part of His divine provision.
There is no wasted suffering in God’s kingdom. Every hardship carries a purpose far beyond what we can see. God, in His sovereignty, has equipped His people with gifts, resources, and talents designed to work together for His glory. The very help we need may already be placed in the hands of another believer. Yet, when we refuse to share our burdens, we shut the door on what God is doing through His people.
The Apostle Paul understood this well. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, he speaks not only of his own despair but of the vital role others played in his deliverance:
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 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. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
Trials as a Divine Appointment for Growth
Paul, a man who had seen miracles, who had been personally called by Christ, confesses that he despaired of life itself. This was not ordinary discouragement; this was a weight beyond human endurance. The Greek word “bareō” (βαρέω)means to be burdened as if crushed under a massive load—completely overwhelmed. Yet, rather than allowing despair to consume him, Paul saw his suffering as a divine appointment to shift his reliance from himself to God.
Trials are not always about endurance; sometimes, they are about surrender. Paul’s suffering was not a sign of failure but a call to greater dependence on “God who raises the dead.” The same power that resurrected Christ was at work in his affliction. And that same power is still at work in our lives today.
God’s Provision Through People
What makes this passage so striking is not just Paul’s declaration of God’s faithfulness, but the role of others in his deliverance.
“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
God’s deliverance did not come in isolation. It came through the intercession of the church. The Greek word “synergeó” (συνεργέω) means to work together, to cooperate with God’s plan. When believers pray, they become co-laborers in the work of the Kingdom.
This is where many of us struggle. Pride, fear, or the pressure to appear strong can keep us from letting others in. Yet, when we withhold our struggles, we may be withholding someone else’s opportunity to obey God. The body of Christ is meant to function as a whole. One person may have the resources, another the wisdom, another the time, and another the strength. God, in His sovereignty, weaves these together to fulfill His purpose.
Paul was not just asking for sympathy—he was inviting others to be part of God’s deliverance.
How This Ties to Christ
Paul’s suffering mirrors the life of Christ. Jesus Himself, in His darkest hour, invited His disciples to “watch and pray”with Him in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38-41). He longed for their presence, even as He bore the greatest burden of all.
But where His disciples failed, Christ succeeded. He bore the ultimate weight of sin so that we would never have to carry our burdens alone. And even now, He continues to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25), strengthening us through the Spirit and the prayers of His people.
When we invite others into our struggles, we reflect Christ. We allow His body to function as He designed, strengthening one another for His glory.
What This Means for Us Today
This passage speaks directly to how we live out our faith in daily devotion, bible study, and spiritual growth.
- Stop carrying burdens alone. If Paul, a pillar of faith, needed the prayers of others, so do we. Share your struggles with a trusted believer. Allow them to serve God by serving you.
- Pray with intentionality. Someone’s breakthrough could be tied to your obedience in prayer. Keep a prayer journal and commit to interceding for those around you.
- Recognize that God’s provision is often through people. Sometimes, the answer to your prayer is sitting in the hands of another believer. Humility allows us to receive.
Reflection Journal Prompt
- What burden have I been carrying alone that I need to share?
- Have I neglected the power of intercessory prayer in my daily devotion?
- Who has God placed in my life that I can actively support through prayer and encouragement?
Write your reflections down in your My Devotion Journal. If God is prompting you to act, don’t ignore it. Reach out to someone today—either to ask for prayer or to offer it.
A Call to Action: Walk in Obedience
There is more at stake here than personal comfort. Your willingness to share your burdens and intercede for others is part of a greater work that God is doing in His church. Paul knew that his deliverance would lead to many people giving thanks to God. Your obedience could be the key to someone else’s answered prayer.
Don’t let fear or pride keep you from experiencing the fullness of God’s provision. Step into the community God has placed around you. Pray boldly. Share openly. Trust completely. And watch as God weaves every piece together for His glory.
