2 Corinthians 1:12-22

Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 1:31, ESV)

We are to boast in the Lord. If we are to make any boast at all, it shall be in the Lord.

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and acknowledge and I hope you will fully acknowledge— just as you did partially acknowledge us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.

(v12-14, ESV)

This section ends with boasting in one another. This may seem contrary but it is still a boast in the Lord. This boast is about the work of God in them but at the same time, "supremely so toward you" (v12, ESV).

Unfortunately, though Paul desires to come to them, his plans did not turn out that way as we read from chapter 2 verse 1. He once again must defend himself and his reasons. It may seem like he wanted to say "yes" and "no" for his plan to come see them. Clearly his desire was to come see them, but Paul is subject to God's will.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes.

(v19, ESV)

Paul is and has always been a servant of God. Though he said "yes" to his desire to come see them at the Corinthian church, his coming and going is subject to God's will. If God wants him to do something else, Paul will always say yes to God.

Let us always say "yes" to God, putting our trust and hope and faith in him.