2 Corinthians 1:8-14

We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia.  We were completely overwhelmed — beyond our strength   — so that we even despaired  of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God  who raises  the dead. He has delivered  us from such a terrible death,  and he will deliver us. We have put our hope in him that he will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our  behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many. Indeed, this is our boast: The testimony  of our conscience  is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom  but by God’s grace.  For we are writing nothing to you other than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely —  just as you have partially understood us — that we are your reason for pride,  just as you also are ours  in the day of our  Lord Jesus.