In response to Monday’s post, Is Your Opinion Really Needed, LaVonne made the following statement:
Wanda, many people forget that God is the “God of all Comfort” for a reason (in this world we will have MANY tribulations). He calls us to cast our care on Him because He knew there would be worries and issues that we could not possibly carry by ourselves… –LaVonne
Imagine my surprise as I just happened to come across (more like a God incident than coincidence) 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 in my reading.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. (NLT)
Give Out What You Received
Although God is the ultimate source of comfort, he expects us to have something to offer to others. If you’ve ever experienced a rough patch and wasn’t quite sure if you would emerge in tact but you did, then your experience can serve as a witness to God’s grace, comfort and deliverance to others facing similar circumstances. Now I know I said it’s not necessary to always give your critique of matter and that’s true. But there are times you could be withholding from others because you fail to share your story. Whether we are sharing our stories, offering advice, or giving out hugs, we always need wisdom and discernment to know which to offer.
Photo Credit: Tom Lancaster
What Others Are Sharing
- Wounded women who live behind the Mask (lisashawshares.com)
- The Blessings of God’s Comfort – My Daily Bread! (psalmsofpraisewomensministries.wordpress.com)
- God’s Care For Us In Our Suffering (unknownwellknown.wordpress.com)
LaVonne says
So thankful for this word today, Wanda. I was having a “why me?” moment yesterday when it became clear that I had to set aside ALL holiday weekend plans (that I was so anticipating) to help a friend who will have surgery tomorrow morning and will need help for a few days. As I watch my planned weekend of “ease” vanish, here is what I know: There is a purpose. There is a plan. There is comfort. This I know. This I know.
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. – 2 Corinthians 8:2
Wanda says
Hi LaVonne, your labor of love and sacrifice is not missed by God. Oh so often I have to remind myself that God has a plan and He knows just what he is doing. I pray your friend’s surgery goes well and she/he has a speedy recovery.
Carol says
Thank you Wanda. I too have been having some “why me” momemnts. God used you to remind me that I’m not alone and that we can use what we go through to help others.
Wanda says
Honored that God would use this post to encourage you Carol. Although we might not see it at the time, our experience have value way beyond us or what we could imagine. Have a great week.
Jennifer Richardson says
I remember hearing somewhere a long time ago
that God comforts us, not to make us comfortable,
but to make us comforters.
I actually think there is more to His great big heart than that,
but there is a nugget of truth there too, I believe.
Good comforters are rare and shining lights.
-Jennifer
Wanda says
Yes we can never fully understand what is all in his heart but I do believe his plan exceeds just looking out for our comfort.
Rhapsody says
Absolutely it does, if we can lift our heads up enough from the pain and get to the learning we will always benefit. The key is taking deep breaths and pausing to as, “Lord, what is the lesson here, what are you trying to tell me, show me, help me to understand?” The you prayer for clarity, understanding and the wisdom to know how to implement said lessons and keep on moving forward and not get stuck in the pain of the experience.
Blessings my friend, thanks for sharing, great as always.
Rhapsody