Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 15 Who’s Comfort Helps You???
If you noticed, I didn’t post a Bible Ballistics last Sunday due to a slight physical problem, it was just one of those things that we all have to deal with from time to time. We all face difficulties and trials of various kinds, whether it’s physical infirmities, emotional issues, financial trials and crises, or just living life. And sometimes we wonder about those things that come to us, so I’d like us to spend just a little time today (Little for me!) considering what scripture reveals about our trials, regardless of what they are where you are.
Trials come to all of us, yet they are not just an inconvenience that we have to undergo, but rather a reality of living in a fallen and broken world, as well as a training ground for God’s work in the life of His children, making us more mature and useable in His kingdom and service. Trials can also help us to recognize and be more sensitive to the needs of others, and then by our experience, enabled by God to help others in their times of need–by His grace, wisdom and power. Paul addresses this issue:
“Blessed be God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble,
by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted,
it is for your consolation
and salvation,
which is effectual
in the enduring
of the same sufferings
which we also suffer:
or whether we be comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope of you is stedfast,
knowing, that as ye are partakers
of the sufferings,
so shall ye be also
of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
Paul helps us to realize that our suffering isn’t abstract, vain, useless, or purposeless; rather it is all part of God’s work in, through and with us, that we ourselves can draw closer to Him, as well as being able to comfort and encourage others through the maturity and confidence we have gained in our God. Just as Paul told the Roman believers many years ago:
“Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also
we have access
by faith
into this grace
wherein we stand,
and rejoice
in hope
of the glory of God.
3 And not only so,
but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience;
and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed;
because the love of God
is shed abroad
in our hearts
by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us.” Romans 5:1-5
And being born again by the blood of the Lamb, we receive the Holy Spirit of God, and are reconciled to God and restored to fellowship and communion with God Himself–we have “peace with God”!!! Not just the “peace” of God, but also a restored relationship with the Holy God of all creation.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:9-10
Sin made us all enemies of the Holy Creator, God Almighty, and by Jesus death, burial and resurrection we are brought back into favor with and reconciled to God by the blood that Jesus shed for us at Calvary. And as those who are reconciled, we become reconcilers. And part of what makes us good reconcilers is the sufferings and trials that we have walked through with God (Or more accurately, God has walked through with us). Everyone in the world deals with trials and difficulties of one sort or another, so it’s not just the experiencing of trials, but it’s the experience of walking through those trials with the overcoming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Learning that HE is working all things for our good and HIS glory. It’s Jesus that makes the difference in trials, not the trial itself or even the outcome—it is the Savior who walks through those trials with us, beside us and comforts, encourages and strengthens us to overcome.
“And all things are of God,
who hath reconciled us to himself
by Jesus Christ,
and hath given to us
the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit,
that God was in Christ,
reconciling the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them;
and hath committed unto us
the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God did beseech you
by us:
we pray you
in Christ’s stead,
be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin;
that we might be made
the righteousness of God
in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Believers are reconciled to God, to be reconcilers, bringing the world to the Savior, Redeemer and Reconciler of all who will believe. Because He was made sin for me—HE who knew no sin–that my sinful self could receive the ‘righteousness’ of God applied to my soul and become a new creature “in Christ Jesus” (See 2 Cor. 5:17)!!!
So dear friends, whatever you are going through today, it hasn’t caught GOD by surprise. He knows where you are and He’s standing close by if you’ll but reach out to Him in faith. And if you are in between those trials of life, then keep your eyes open for that special someone who may need to hear about Jesus’ comfort and courage that brought you through. How can we remain silent when so many are in need of our help? So if you’ve received God’s comfort, don’t keep it to yourself. Someone needs your testimony and help today—be listening to God’s Spirit leading YOU.
