By a technicality (it is 11:19 p.m) it is still day 15. So here's my offering for today.
I have a post coming up on my struggles this year. I've really struggled this year and one of the things that has kept me going is the Bible and the promises it contains for me. Anytime I manage to break free of the haze of the struggle and get into God's Word, it always provides a comfort apropos to my challenge and resets me.
I have many favorite verses in the Bible but the verses I will be sharing with you today are my all time favorite. For where my head is at these days, these particular set of verses brings it all together for me and makes me see purpose in the struggle.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV): Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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.
The break down of these verses is basically as follows:
1. There will be challenges.
2. God Himself is the one who will comfort us through those challenges.
3. The help and comfort we have received is not just for us. We are not comforted for just being comforted sake. God has set an example through the comfort we have received and it is our duty to now dispense what has been deposited in us.
This hits home for me because though I'm struggling, it hasn't stopped my purpose. Life is not lived in isolation. There are people who God wants us to reach out to right in the middle of our mess when we don't even feel like getting out of bed let alone helping someone else deal with their own issues.
I've wanted to be selfish a lot this year. I've wanted to turn people away when they approach me to talk things out because I have my own stuff going on. But what I found was that merely by offering a listening ear, I myself, became blessed by the responses the Holy Spirit gave to the issues through me. I would say things that I KNEW I did not have the wisdom to come up with. So while the Holy Spirit was doing His work, I also was being offered comfort. I always felt so much better after having listened, talked and prayed with people and I think that typifies this verse for me.
This is really lovely to read...and profound. You mean my comfort is not just for me? It really calls for a dose of introspection. The Bible is a complete life manual, to be very honest. May we thirst for the things of the kingdom. Which devotional do you use?
ReplyDeleteThe Bible is such a deep and dynamic book. Amen. I use Everyday with Jesus by Selwyn Hughes
DeleteThis year has been one hell of a year but through the chaos i did learn how to be patient. And yes i also realised that in helping others, you too are somehow helped. Although some days i feel like i've helped others so much and i'm feeling exhausted.
ReplyDeleteLol. Even Moses almost died from solving people's issues before God gave his father in law some wisdom for him re appointing judges. It can be exhausting but we are called to do it. Not all of us will be pulpit preachers but this is how we can spread the goodness of God in our own little corners of the world. I pray this new year is a better year. I decree a fresh start and newness in Jesus' name
DeleteYou have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBible Verses About Seeking Revenge, Justice and Anger