LEARNING DAILY

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all 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.

 

If you have walked with the Lord for any length of time you will understand the following statement. You are going through some trial right now, or you are coming out of some trial, or you are about to enter into some trial. Are you with me? I want you to stop reading this right now and open your Bible to 2 Corinthians 1 and read verses 3-11. Too many preachers preach, teach or hint that once you ask Jesus Christ into your life, you will enjoy a prosperous life without any more trails. That is simply not true! Therefore, it is important to understand that opposition and trials come to the Believer! Why?

 

The answer to that question is that growth for the Christian comes when we are in the valley or in the wilderness; growth does not come when we are on the mountain top or when all life seems like we are in control. I am going to make another bold statement: the journey you are on is ordained by God; He at least has given His permission for the devil to “sift” you (check it out in Luke 22:31-32). You want to ask why this occurs. God wants you to trust Him and not trust in yourself. Another reason would be to drive you to Jesus Christ; opposition or trials in your life are meant to bring you to the point where Jesus Christ becomes first in all that matters in your life.

 

The Apostle Paul tells us a third reason for the trials we face – to know the comfort only God can bring us during these times so that we might be able to comfort others during the times of their trials. We are comforted so we might become comforters. That means we stand with another person, encouraging and helping him/her in their time of need. Paul was no stranger to suffering. He knew that regardless of the severity of the trial, nothing can separate a Believer from God’s care and compassion. His writing, in these verses, is an emphasis that walking the narrow way with Jesus was a life that included both suffering and experiencing His compassion. When we are experiencing a trial, it does not necessarily mean it is because we have been disobedient! Satan may have asked to “sift” you. Or we might be suffering because we identify as a Christian.

 

When trials come, what should you do? The best answer I can give is to be in God’s Word and to pray. Then, pray some more! Romans 8:28 is a verse often quoted, “And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” God will bring good out of every affliction, trial, persecution, and suffering we face. Remember the good that God works is conforming us into the image of Christ and ultimately bringing about our glorification when we step into His kingdom.   

 

If living your life on the narrow way, walking with Jesus was easy, would you need Him?