The God of Comfort

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 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.” II Corinthians 1:3-4

When you suffer, how do you react? What are your thoughts toward God and toward those around you? What questions do you ask?

In the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul defended his worth as an apostle. In the church at Corinth, divisions were happening and there seemed to be a great lack in understanding how a church should operate. Paul contended with them in love, desiring for them to live a life worthy of Christ. The members were not unaware of what Paul had endured through his life as a missionary. They knew the price he paid to give them the Gospel message, to disciple them so that they would know the depths of God’s love. 

Paul knew what persecution felt like, unfortunately from both Christian and unbeliever alike. But as we read in this chapter, we see that he viewed his suffering as beneficial. The more he suffered, the more he was comforted and was able to comfort others. And Paul wanted the Corinthians to do the same. 

Paul relates how he and his associates were pressed and sentenced to death in Asia, and how did he respond? I believe he saw what was happening to him as an opportunity for God to be glorified, and that faith proved to be well placed since God delivered them. In relating what happened, he pointed out the Corinthians’ part by how they prayed for Paul and his associates. 

What an example to us.

I am, by nature, an adventure seeker. Over the years, I’ve been thrilled to see God’s hand protect me, provide for me, and work through me. I confess to be someone who is willing to jump off the cliff if I believed God said, “Jump!” simply because I have seen time and time again that the ‘adventure’ of the fall gives great opportunity to see God at work. But I can also account for many times when my faith was weak and, shamefully, I missed out on what God had for me.

I want to have that faith and that courage Paul demonstrated. I want to be able to face the trials and tribulations of life with a song of praise and a battle cry that leads to the shouts of victory. For I’m merely passing through this world, and while I pass through, wouldn’t it be wonderful to draw some others along with me? I’d love to be a part of a company of believers whose faith made them face the lions in Ephesus and sing in the jail at Philippi. 

Okay, maybe I’m not so excited about the beatings, but I want to know the comfort of the Holy Spirit and His healing touch…and if that means hurting a bit to get it, well I think it would be worth it.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

II Corinthians 10:5 — Confessions

 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” II Corinthians 10:5

Today's Reading: I Corinthians 10; Psalm 91

Confessions: I struggle with my imagination. I’m not a creator of worry like some people, true. However, when it comes to what I think others think of me, I’m totally guilty. 

There is rarely a time when I don’t come away from a conversation, or stretch of fellowship time, that I don’t second guess something (if not everything) that I said. Usually not because I doubt the validity of what I said. Rather, because I doubt the acceptance by the people hearing what I said. In fact, more often than not, I find myself tossing and turning on my bed reviewing every word spoken, every facial expression, every comment…until finally, I give it up to God. 

I never used to be like that. I used to have a conversation and rarely worry about how another would take it. Not anymore. Is it a consequence of a society that has gone to the extreme over offenses? Perhaps some of that. Is it because I have been told some many times that people hate me or hate what I say or told me that I am such a terrible unlikable person? Yup, that has a lot to do with it. But irregardless of how people have reacted to me, I have to take full responsibility for my own thoughts. 

I cannot read minds. So, when I imagine what others are saying or going to say or think, I’m probably lying to myself. Certainly, I am not speaking truth in my heart. And, in fact, shamefully thinking evil (well, not right thinking at any rate) of the very people I’m accusing of thinking evil of me!

So therein lies the crux of the matter. When I think about what others think, I’m not right thinking.

That doesn’t excuse me when I do bring offense and am aware of the other person's reaction. But let's be real here: offenses will come.

“Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matthew 18:7

Here’s another thought: when we take offense, or give offense, we are exalting that ‘offense’ above God. If we know God, and we know His Word, we’ll know that He controls all things. And because of that, we are safe in His hands when we submit to Him.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165

To worry or take offense means we’re not trusting God’s control over the situation, over how a person responds to us, over evil spoken or done to us.

So, better I let go of those worries. Better I cast out those imaginations. Better I bring those thoughts into captivity that would cause me to doubt God’s control over the outcome of my conversations.

While keeping my mouth shut in most circumstances would solve a lot of problems, better I lean into God and let His Holy Spirit guide my words. Then I must trust that whatever the outcome is, He’s got me.

What about you? Does your imagination run off with you and hold you captive? In those moments, is it possible for you to school your thoughts to focus on trusting God--on His promises, protection, and provision?

For further reading, consider Jeremiah and how God helps him deal with the situations he faced. Read Jeremiah 15:10-21; 16:1-17:18; 29:11-13.

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Why Live a Life of Suffering?

 "In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." II Cornithians 11:27

When I read this passage this morning, a slight smile flickered on my face. I thought how this described the cancer journey and the treatments and doctor appointments all endured for the one goal of being cancer-free. 

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

However, Paul here was not describing a life of cancer but his life as an apostle. Yet, I could not help but see the parallels. Jesus Christ presents to every person the cure for the disease of sin which leads to death. The Apostle Paul offered people the cure, but evil would rise up against him to prevent the cure being received. He would endure great suffering in order for another to receive that cure.

In my most selfish and weak moments, I find the hardest concept for me to comprehend is that life here on earth is to be seen as preferred (for a period) to life in heaven with God.

The struggle, if I am honest, is that I no longer want to suffer, whether from physical illness or emotional pain caused by my selfishness or another's words, actions, or attitudes toward me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not suicidal, but I will admit to pondering the point of life if there is nothing but suffering and pain.

I understand the concept of suffering for the name of Christ and the glory that comes from it. God gives the true believer power and grace to endure such sufferings and to actually glory in it. A study in the martyrs over the  centuries will demonstrate that. 

If I truly love God, then I should see my life here as a blessing and should see the potential, not by my will or hand, but of God's power.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." II Corinthians 4:6-7

Here on earth, we can glorify God in our struggle. Again, it is not about us, but about God.

In II Corinthians, Paul goes on to describe the trouble he had: persecution, perplexation, being cast down, being whipped, thrown into prison, being shipwrecked, suffering perils in every place and under every circumstance, and even physical ailments. 

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hope: 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 5:2-5

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Sometimes it is hard to see the glory of God, but that is what we are to look for. The hope that is eternal life actually lives in the present as well as the future, because the Holy Spirit is in us.

"The hope" lives in us when we seek God's glory even in times of trouble, pain, sorrow. But the crux is if we don't seek it, we can't find it and can't experience it.

When we are seeking to worship God even in our times of pain, suffering, trouble, hardship, etc. we will discover God's glory and when we see His glory, we are living in the present hope of eternal life.

God is not bound by time, what He says will happen He sees happening in His now. So, you can trust what He says is and will be true. When He says, in present tense:

"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" Ephesians 2:6

we, by the power of His glory and the presence of the Holy Spirit are indeed seated in heavenly places while our  physical bodies are still on earth. Our heaven on earth that enabled Paul to say:

"...but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corinthians 4:16-18

When we worship God in spirit and in truth, we dwell in His presence. In His presence all the cares of the world diminish to the point of appearing extinguished. 

We can only experience this power of God's glory while here on earth worshiping Him. For it is His power over darkness and the ilk that comes in darkness. 

When we worship Him, in the safety and care of His Presence, we can surrender our weaknesses to Him and enjoy Him for the great and holy God Almighty that He is.

Why live a life of suffering? To experience the power of God's glory here on earth.

Whether I Live or Die, I Am Blessed

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God." II Corinthians 4:15 

I sat on the examination table determined to let my breast surgeon know she did a good job, and I'm doing well. She sat in the chair beside the table, eyes on the pathology report, trying to have a positive outlook. Not that the pathology report was a negative foretelling of the future. Just unexpected and unusual.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

"You know," I said, "I think you did a great job of my surgery. I feel great and am doing more than what everyone was telling me I would be able to do after surgery. I was even able to help load three calves into the trailer, Saturday." I fumbled. I wasn't doing a good job of what I really wanted to say, simply: thank you. And even more so, to share Christ with her, but the door wasn't open. 

This surgeon had up to this point always presented a very "in-control" professional walk and demeanor and confidence that showed her years of experience in her field. But she faltered, unable to clearly tell me what to expect. 

When I left the exam room after getting dressed, I heard her and presumed she was talking with my oncologist as she read the pathology report to the person on the other end of the phone. I had a strange peace. Well, it really isn't strange because that peace, God's peace on me, has been present throughout my Christian life (whenever I chose to look for it). But I confess, I wasn't exactly tripping down the hall with glee.

In II Corinthians, the apostle Paul spoke extensively about suffering, and in particular, the suffering he experienced. Set aside the 'thorn in my flesh' portion, and he lists the suffering he had endured because he preached the Gospel. His response to the horrors he'd endured as an ambassador of Christ was to focus on the needs of the people he had served and had come to love. 

"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." II Corinthians 1:6

My mother suffered from extreme nausea and pain for several months before she died this spring. Yet, she smiled at her doctor and witnessed to her nurses (for as long as she had voice to do so), and her faith and the peace of God shone through her. It impacted those around her. She was ready to go to see her Beloved Lord and Savior, but while on earth, she did what she could for others. 

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." II Corinthians 4:8-10

We, in America, rarely if ever suffer the persecution Paul endured and did so with the joy of the Lord in his heart. I think it is coming. It will separate those who truly love the Lord and love others as He loved, from those who simply chose Christianity as an identity or merely said the sinner's prayer for 'fire insurance' to escape hell. I think each of us must now chose whether we will follow Christ to death or follow the easy path. 

Such discussion of persecution and suffering tends to turn off people. We like to not think about such things. And in truth, dwelling on the horrors that may face us is not a good use of our minds. Our focus shouldn't be on the troubles we'll face. Our focus should be on the hope we have in Christ: on the future where we'll dwell with the Lord in a perfect place. Our hope lies in the day we will be all that we were created to be: to bring God pleasure, to enjoy Him, and to fellowship with Him and live in a place of continual worship. 

Paul not only endured physical abuse from those who hated him and the message he gave, he endured words spoken against him by those that should have loved him. He endured the rejection of those he had poured his life out for them to know Christ. Yet, he had peace. His love for the church at Corinth caused him to see past the hurt to how all he had endured could be a blessing to them, an encouragement and a source of comfort.

Once, a doctor told me if you don't do such and such you may die. Actually, I've heard that several times over my life from medical professionals. They can't predict my death. My response to that particular doctor, was, "I'm not afraid to die. For me, to die is gain as I will be in Heaven with my Lord and Savior." Her response was what of those you leave behind who love you? Good point. That was Paul's reasoning for God keeping him alive, to continue to serve those he loved. His love for the churches he'd started, for the members of those churches, kept him from giving up.

"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again." Philippians 1:23-26

While my mother was still here on earth, she blessed and shared and comforted. When she departed, God already had her family in His hand. This is a truth we'd all be wise to remember.

Suffering sometimes leads to death. But that death does not mean the end of life for those who believe. Neither does it mean those left behind are alone. God does not forget the grieving, even if at times it seems like that is so. Before He takes a loved one home to be with Him in Heaven, He prepares for the continual earthly existence of those left behind. For a time of grieving this may be difficult to remember, but nevertheless true. God will be there for you. God will supply your needs. God will take you through each moment and each day, as readily as the sun rises in the morning. You're not alone.

My run with cancer will likely not end in my death. But I do know that it is in the background of everyone's mind. The statistics demonstrate survivability, but the doctor says, "In a room of 100 people with cancer, you don't want to increase the chances of you being that one person to die by not getting appropriate treatment." To that I say, "God determines the day of my calling Home." Even so, my hope is not in this world, but in the world to come that my Lord is preparing where I will forever be with Him. Whether I die to day or thirty years from now, I am blessed.

This is the craziest of all the days of my lifetime. The world seems like it is turning upside down and inside out. People are living out their fear of the unknown in anger toward anyone who might disagree with them. People are demonstrating their hopelessness by looking to anyone who might provide hope, yet failing to look for the One Who can give them perfect hope. They have given up on the good and made evil right and right evil.

How must I live, whether my life is cut short or I live for many more years? I am to live for Christ.

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: …For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." Philippians 1:27,29-30