2 Corinthians 1:8

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. (2 Corinthians 1:8)

Three points:

1. We have problems, burdens, trials in our faith and life.

2. Sometimes these are above our strength; it is when we say, "I just can't take it any more.

3. Yet in verse 9 and 10 it is written: "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us..." We can go on. Take courage brother and sister.

2 Kings 8:10-15

And Elisha said to him, "Go, say to him, 'You shall certainly recover.' However the LORD has shown me that he will really die." Then he set his countenance in a stare until he was ashamed; and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, "Why is my lord weeping?" He answered, "Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: Their strongholds you will set on fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword; and you will dash their children, and rip open their women with child." So Hazael said, "But what is your servant—a dog, that he should do this gross thing?" And Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Syria." Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, "What did Elisha say to you?" And he answered, "He told me you would surely recover." But it happened on the next day that he took a thick cloth and dipped it in water, and spread it over his face so that he died; and Hazael reigned in his place.
(2 Kings 8:10-15)

It was God's will for Hazael to be king.

He became king his own way by murdering his master.

He should have waited for God to bring it about like King David.

Can we wait for God to bring His will about, or do it ourselves, our own way?

Amos 4:12

"Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!" (Amos 4:12)

3 Points:

1. The last straw

God has already punished Israel for disobedience. Some of their sins: mistreat and abuse the poor, drunkenness, sacrifices and worship that is wonderfully religious but without putting their hearts into it. Some of their punishments: lack of food, lack of rain, insects eating their crops, death in war, thieves made off with their goods. But all this they WOULD NOT repent.

2. People are stubborn

This is not a time to be stubborn. It is a time to repent, to ask forgiveness and change the way they think and live. Danger is at the doorstep.

3. "Prepare to met your God"

Now that strikes fear in me, but to Israel in those days it meant nothing. They could care less, even though the punishment would be the loss of their country. Will humans today repent or keep marching to destruction?