God's plan is our ruin and our rescue, in order to move us from our dangerous self-relying over to relying on God alone, who raises the dead.1. Paul was crushed. (v.8)2. Paul expected to die (v.9a), and that drove him back to: a. relying not on himself, but only on God. (v.9b) b. setting his hope on God, who rescues. (v.10)3. Paul asked them to join in praying, and join in thanking. (v.11)Why does God allow us Christians to suffer?Is it "beyond our strength (v.8)" or can we "do all things"? Phil 4:13Is it "we despaired (v.8)" or "not driven to despair"? 2 Cor. 4:8Is it "beyond our strength" or "not beyond your ability"? 1 Cor.10:13