Encouragement
It sometimes seems that one trial after another flows through our lives, and we wonder if we will ever see the light of day again. For some people one big trial enters their life and in one swooping motion everything they have built seems to come crashing in. Whatever the case may be, it is in those times that we need a comforting word or soothing touch to encourage us.
We sometimes wonder where God is when we need Him. Have you ever heard someone say, "When you don't feel close to God, guess who moved?" God will not let us down. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
Sometimes we wonder why we are going through these trials in life and question why we must suffer. Romans 5:3-5 "we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulations works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." God is molding us and shaping us in every circumstance of our life- good or bad.
But how can He use us in bad situations? Logically, to us it would seem that God could use us more when our lives are flowing along smoothly. But often we find ourselves sharing the trials that we have come through with those who are in need of comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Um? Comfort others when we are down? How exactly does that work? Comforting others takes the focus off of our own sufferings. It's amazing that when we are faced with difficulties in life, God actually introduces us to others with greater problems. Have you ever met someone who is experiencing terrible times in their life, but they lift you up with the hope and joy? John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. What a testimony of faith that shows!
If we think of sharing in Christ's glory when we share in his sufferings, it makes some of our trials seem so small. Romans 8:16-17 "The Spirit Itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." You may have to read that one a few times before it hits you like a ton of bricks... We are heirs of God! We are joint heirs with Christ! When we suffer, we suffer with HIM. That's powerful. What have we suffered in comparison to the sufferings of Christ?
Prayer:
Father,
As we praise you Lord for who You are, we want to give thanks for the comfort you provide. No sacrifice that we make compares to your son's sacrifice to us. As we go through this week, please allow us to use the difficulties that we have experienced or even the ones we are facing right now to comfort others, give them hope, and glorify your name.
It is through your son, Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen
