2 Corinthians 1:8-9 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

There were times that even Paul wanted to give up his life. But later, in time, he recognized that this had happened “that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God.” When I go through nearly impossible times, ii should be aware that God is drawing me close; not pushing me away.