God uses need to deepen reliance.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV)
⁸  For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
⁹  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 

One challenging aspect of parenting is to watch our children enter a season of desperate need. — and to not spring into action to meet the need.

Yet parents who always do meet the need actually end up robbing the child of essential reliance — on God, on the resources God has poured into them, on the community of others around them.

ALSO — those who learn to humbly receive and rely on God are learning how to give (also clearly described in 2 Corinthians 1.

God is not afraid or embarrassed by our needs.

Our seasons of desperation do not threaten God’s name.

Instead they are opportunities to deepen our reliance on our God and others in his family.  Read  2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (ESV) ¹⁰  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. ¹¹  You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Can you look back on a desperate time and now see how God used it to deepen your faith and compassion?