We were under great pressure,

far beyond our ability to endure,

so that we despaired even of life.

Indeed, in our hearts we felt the

sentence of death. But this

happened that we might not

rely on ourselves, but on God

who raises the dead. He has

delivered us from such a deadly

peril, and he will deliver us.

On him we have set our hope

that he will continue to deliver us.

II Corinthians 1: 8-10