2 Corinthians

 

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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.

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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
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