Passing on What We Have Received
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV
The Christian life does not create immunity from the troubles and difficulties of life. The psalmist declares, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19 NIV) Jesus said, “…He [God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45 NIV) Paul simply refers to “all troubles.”
The hope and courage to face the difficulties in life is found in God’s compassion and comfort. When the disciples feared for their lives on the stormy sea, they asked Jesus, “Don’t you care that we perish?” (Mark 4:38) Peter called saints to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV) When difficulties arise it is almost natural to questions God’s care.
The Lord not only has compassion for the challenges of life that we face, but all true compassion can be found in Him. Human compassion, may be out of sympathy or guilt. God’s compassion flows from His nature. It is also found in Jesus Christ who took on human form and suffered in ways that pale to the sufferings of others.
God’s compassion and comfort can be found in all the troubles we face. He understands broken hearts, wounded relationships, the challenges of illness and health and economic woes. We can confident that He understands and that He does deliver.
Then Paul says that God’s compassion and comfort is to flow through our lives to others. Those who have faced difficulties and can testify of the Lord’s faithfulness serve as an encouragement to those who find themselves in various types of troubles. The Lord works in sovereign ways that are beyond our understanding, but He also works through us in the lives of others. A “testimony” comes from those who have emerged from the “test” of life.
This verse was the motivation for my book on my health challenge. As I experienced the Lord’s faithfulness, the answers to prayer and God’s love through others, I wanted my story to be source of encouragement to others facing their own “crisis.”
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for Your care, compassion and comfort. Allow what we have received from You to be a source of encouragement and strength to others.