2 Corinthians 1: Life Happens

Life happens. Bad things come our way. Circumstances go south. Relationships break down. When that happens, how do you process it?

I’ve noticed this: When life happens to me, I’m gracious. I give myself the benefit of the doubt. I’m not a bad person, I just live in a fallen world.

But when life happens to others, I’m sometimes judgmental. I think they should get their act together. I’m tempted to perceive weakness, character flaws, or simple folly in the other person that has produced the chaos in their lives.

The Corinthians seemed to think of Paul in this way. He was constantly in trouble as he traveled about telling others of Christ—wasn’t that evidence that he had issues? If he were a better person he wouldn’t bring so much difficulty on himself. If he really had God’s blessing life would be easier.

And then Paul changed his travel plans, not visiting Corinth as he had planned. Again, flakiness. What kind of authoritative apostle does this? Maybe this whole Gospel enterprise is a fly-by-night operation.

Paul writes 2 Corinthians largely to address such issues and to defend his ministry. From the start, Paul puts a Spiritual perspective on all the happenings of his life. Persecution? It’s because we suffer to spread the Gospel just as Jesus suffered. Changing plans? It’s because life happens and wise people follow God’s leading.

“But be assured of this,” Paul basically says, “although life is uncertain, God is not.” Although life is hard, God is good. Although circumstances change, God never does. He comforts us so we can comfort others. He saves us, time and again, so we will always rely on him. He makes solid promises to us, the fulfillment of which is always an iron-clad YES in Christ. Never take pride in how put-together your life is. And never look down on the chaos in others. Life happens. But we take our stand in God—and help others stand firm in him.