In 1 Kings 20 and 21 Ahab makes a series of bad decisions. He disobeys God’s commands regarding a battle and, bowing to pressure from his wife Jezebel, he kills a citizen to get his land against God’s wishes. Elijah confronts Ahab with his sin and tells him that God will destroy him and his family. Ahab humbles himself before God and God takes compassion on him but not on his descendants.

As 2 Corinthians 1 opens Paul is encouraging them to be steadfast in their sufferings. The church is undergoing great tribulation. Paul reminds the Corinthians that as they are sharing in the sufferings of Christ they will also share in his consolation.

Paul had promised to come to Corinth and was delayed. He is now saying that God led him to stay away for their sakes.

Paul makes the statement that everyone of God’s promises is a “Yes.” While this yes may not be the one we are expecting and while it may also contain a “No” toward the path we are already on, we need to see all that God is doing in our lives as a resounding “Yes” that his will is being worked out.