SCRIPTURE:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
OBSERVATION:
Paul himself understood and experienced the comfort of God. He also understood that it was not just for his own benefit, but that it would be used to bring comfort to others in their trouble.
APPLICATION:
Through some of the most difficult seasons in my life, the Lord seemed to place people around me that knew exactly what I was going through. Pastors, leaders, brothers and sisters in Christ who had gone through similar things, and knew what to say and what to do. Many of them are still great friends to this day.
When I had come through those seasons, I remember making the Lord a promise that if He put people in my life that I could help because of my own experiences, that I would. Be careful what you ask for, because The Lord will do just that.
Just recently I was speaking to a brother who has been struggling through some areas of letting go and forgiveness. Once, hard-nosed and unwilling, he told me that he was feeling badly for the people that he had hurt. He said “I’m not sure what’s going on with me, it’s been eating me up inside and I just feel bad about it. All the people I have hurt, I’m just so sorry.” He’s been convicted by the Holy Spirit, begun releasing things and forgiving.
I smiled and he asked why. I told him, “You just remind me so much of myself when I started this process. God is working on your heart and healing you. I promise it does get better, even if it might not feel like it right now. The more you are able to let go and give to the Lord, it gets easier.” As we talked, I was able to share more of my own experiences, some encouraging words and Biblical advice that helped me. Essentially comforting him, from the comfort I received from God Himself and others He put around me.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have neglected to do what you have asked me to, especially in bringing comfort to others. Thank You Lord that You never waste a hurt. May I comfort those hurting around me with the comfort I have received from You, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
