2 Corinthians

 

IMG_9556

This morning in my daily Bible reading, I started reading 2 Corinthians.  I really needed to hear from Paul this morning!

This verse really hit home:

6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

I took some time and meditated on this verse.  This idea of comfort.... I realized that there have been lots of times in my life that I have looked back on something and realized that God had used a particular set of circumstances in my life to give me compassion and be available to comfort others going through the same thing.  Lots of them.

However, I didn't always know it at the time I was suffering.  It was some time... hours, days, weeks, months, even at times years later that I would realize what I had gone through was useful to pray for and minister with and alongside another brother or sister in Christ.

Today, I needed to be encouraged that even in the midst of sufferings...times of great despair... God is ministering to me in this present moment that I too can comfort another later.

So, instead of crying out in anguish this morning, I chose to rejoice and to take time to pray for whoever it is that will experience loss or heartache in the future that I can share God's incredible love and grace and mercy with.

Technorati Tags: ,,

Comments

melanie said…
First of all, love your new look! I will rejoice with you my friend, and for you. Isn't it the truth that sometimes only those who have been there understand. Those willing to stand alongside you and really love you even where you are at.
Monday, December 08, 2008 2:56:00 PM
His Girl said…
I am constantly amazed at the relevance of the Word.... that I can sit down and read this ancient book and have it rock my world today... aaaah the living Word! good stuff!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 9:44:00 AM
PJ said…
That's a tremendous lesson. Thanks for the reminder.

And I DO like your new look!! Great.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 12:10:00 PM
Angela said…
I am so grateful for the comfort you have offered me through your own personal pain. God is so good to give us others to share our worst days with. What would I do without you?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 3:33:00 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

coffee

I have to take issue with something. Dave Ramsey... love him. usually. But, today... I got an email from him (not because we're personal friends but because we've paid to take his FPU class)... and he had the NERVE to say that coffee is not a necessity. it is a luxury. I'm contemplating my open letter to him. Something like this... Dear Dave, Although I appreciate all that you have done in your life and ministry, I have to take issue with one point. Coffee is not a luxury. How can I ask my husband to extend a special line item in our budget for Starbucks when you continue to claim that it is a luxury? Let me educate you on the value of my daily Starbucks .... First of all, it is research... when I get the necessary funds, I plan to open my own coffee shop, and it is vital to my financial peace that I complete the research needed for a successful coffee shop. Secondly, ... have you SEEN me in the morning when I don't have it? Do you work beside me? No... you haven't
Read more

Quick! Call an Ambulance!

I went on a bike ride with my 9 year old yesterday. Okay... I will wait a minute while you gain your composure. You don't have to be so loud about it. I had been promising her that we would go on a bike ride together for a few days. Why didn't I promise her a trip to Starbucks for a nice hot latte? So, we ditched a few responsibilities and went on a bike ride. But, I didn't have a bike. So, I was going to walk. She said I could borrow Abbie's bike. Except Abbie has the bike seat from the land down under - you know what I mean. And my rear was not meant to sit on that tiny thing. But, I rode it anyway. After we crossed the street, we started heading down the road and it was pretty nice for a couple minutes. Luckily, my dad lives 2 blocks away, so we had to stop there to say hi and to tell him that we are on a bike ride. Then, we headed back on our bike ride. We left my dad's and there is a slight hill. Emily got tired just-in-the-nick-of-time so I had to walk
Read more