Comfort in Suffering
I am so blessed to get up and be able to write this morning. We were without power and without water like so many. But when I woke this morning our power has been restored for the time. But during all this, I have really learned there is comfort through the suffering. And I was directed to 2 Corinthians 1:3. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of ALL comfort. God gives us the comfort when we are suffering. We first need to be thankful for what He has provided. Like us, even though we did not have power, we did have a gas fireplace that we were able to use to keep the living room warm. Did we have to shut doors and bring mattresses to the living room? Yes we did. And while it was dripping water, we were able to catch some. We can heat water on that same gas fireplace. So we are very thankful for the provision. See it may not be the comfort we were use to but it was still comfort. And we are thankful. Now let's look at verse 4. "(GOD) who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." When God comforts His children, then we should comfort others. That is only one way that we can show the living Jesus Christ to others. When you really don't know what you are going to do, it is our job to show others how to find that comfort in Jesus. 5- "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in US, so our consolation also abounds THROUGH Christ." We only get this deep comfort through Jesus Christ. And when we show others then the reward is verse 6-7. 6- "Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7- And our hope for you is STEADFAST because we know that as your are partakers of the sufferings, SO also you partake of the consolation." Learn to find your comfort in Jesus through the tribulations and you will be able to show others where to find their comfort. We are to live Jesus out loud, not all witnessing is Scripture. They must first see it in me. Have a blessed day and rise up children of God.