Trusting in Trials- Joshua K. Drucker 5/17/26

2 Corinthians 1:8-10

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our [a]trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and [b]does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us.

Today is February 2, 2026 and I write this sermon with a heavy heart. I pen these words from the cold floor of a segregation unit at Macon State Prison. I’m having to lay on the floor so I can receive enough light from a single dim bulb in my cell.

Personally, I don’t know if I have experienced or lived through this type of “darkness” before. Even though I spent almost a decade on Georgia’s Death Row, I cannot remember times being “this dark” for this writer. I honestly feel like I am “walking through the valley of the shadow of death”. (Psalms 23:4)

My parents are currently cooped up in the hospital with my disabled sister. For over two weeks now, my sister Amanda has been in and out of the hospital as she battles pneumonia and sepsis. As I spoke to my dad today, I could hear the despair and hopelessness in his voice. Not only is my sister fighting for her life but both my parents are battling illnesses themselves.

For the past six weeks I myself have also fought a thick darkness behind these walls. My life has been uprooted in so many areas. Six months ago I was living in the best dormitory at this prison. I also had constant contact with friends and family. Within a matter of moments, I lost everything and came to the segregation unit by my own choice. When I arrived to the “hole”, the darkness descended. 

As I spoke to my dad, he refused to say much. He didn’t want to speak anything negative out of his mouth (knowing the power of words), nor did he want me to worry. But, I knew. I knew what he was thinking and how he was feeling.

As we spoke on a prepaid collect call from a prison phone, I told him the devil was playing a movie on his mind in HD. The devil is using deception by vivid pictures of what “could happen”.

I have been “there” many times in my life. I have even gone through the same attack for the past 4-6 weeks. 

When you are at your weakest moment then the devil swoops in and begins to fill your mind and spirit with every possible lie and outcome. He tells you that your life is over.

“This” is the trial that will finally sink your boat and destroy you. He then brings up every sin that you ever committed and tells you that what you are going through is God’s punishment for your past sins. And then hits you with the biggest lie of all; “God has forsaken you”.

During this dark moment, there seems to be no comfort at all. You try to pray but the pain is still there. You read your bible but it's as bland as a dictionary. Even the words from a pastor or trusted friend will not relieve the anguish in the pit of your stomach. NOTHING seems to dispel the darkness.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our [a]trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and [b]does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us

The Apostle Paul went through a similar situation in his life. The Bible isn’t clear to the extent of his suffering in Asia, but Paul stated that he was “burdened beyond measure, above strength”, and that “he despaired even of life”. He went on to say that “he had the sentence of death in himself”. The trial that he was going through was so severe that he felt like he was “dying inside himself”.

Why did the Apostle Paul go through this trial? Was it because of his past sins? Was it because he tortured and murdered Christians in his past? Was it because he had stepped out of the will of God? Maybe he had become lukewarm for a season? Or is it possible that God brought him to the brink of death for a greater purpose? Could it be possible that God “allowed” this trial in Paul’s life in order to get him to one place in his life? TOTAL trust and reliance in God. Was God opening a door to a greater opportunity for "trust"?

2 Corinthians 1:9 

 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead

Paul stated in the above verse that God placed him in a situation where no human help could save him. His money, his education, his tact, nor friends or influence could save him. He was boxed in on all sides and only the hand of God could carry him through and deliver him. God allowed this trial in his life for one purpose only– “that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead”.

Dear reader, are you going through a trial? Are you walking through a valley so dark that you don’t think you will make it through? If you are, I have a word for you. God will deliver you through this.

2 Corinthians 1:10

 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and [b]does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us

This trial is not sent to destroy you but to bring you into a deeper trust in God. The fear, anxiety and death that you are feeling in your stomach and chest is not coming from God. “God does not give us the spirit of fear”. (2 Timothy 1:7) The trial you are going through is not the “big one”. This trial will not destroy you.

Joshua Drucker

Author’s update: Since writing the above sermon, Amanda has been released from the hospital and I was placed back in the good dormitory.

As my dad would say, “we are not out of the woods yet”. I’m still not released from prison- YET; nor is Amanda healed. However, my parents and I both made it through a trial we “thought” would destroy us. Thus, our trust in the power of Almighty God has increased. Trust, dear reader, TRUST in God that He is in control of every detail in your life. He will never leave nor forsake thee.

May 1, 2026- Before I could finish rewriting this sermon: Amanda went back to the hospital and was just released for a second time.

Please keep my parents, my mom, Wanda and YOUR Pastor Doug in your prayers. My parents have spent their lives praying for your needs, calling out many names daily in prayer. They are both physically tired and depleted of energy. Two elderly people that are fighting every day to stay afloat. Please run to your prayer closet for my parents and little Amanda. They need you. These are desperate times. 

AMEN AND AMEN-

GOD BLESS YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS!!!!

Pastor Doug

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