Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 110-112; 2 Corinthians 1
Devotional Thought:
Sometimes people wrongly believe that preachers are never discouraged, never give in to the temptation to complain, or get frustrated in life. Paul starts this second letter to the Corinthian church explaining that he has been in need of comfort and encouragement. He does thank the Lord for His mercy and comfort that He provides during tribulation. Paul feels qualified to help the Corinthian church to feel comforted, because he has been through tribulation and experienced comfort. I told my sister after the stillbirth of their son, that God would open opportunities for her to minister to others having been through this tragedy. She has had many opportunities to help comfort other mom’s who were experiencing the same grief, disappointment, and sorrow. She comforted them with the same comfort that she had received during her trial. Having experienced several miscarriages and then the stillbirth gave her credibility with these young moms whose hearts had been broken. Difficult times and tragedies can be either turned into future opportunities or long-term bitterness. Unfortunately, I have seen both. The difference is whether we are willing to trust the Lord through the trial or whether we have to have things our way. “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth in Christ.” (vs. 5) Paul tells the Corinthian church that he could relate to the trouble carnal people cause to the servants of God. “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life…in whom we trust that he (God) will deliver us…Ye also helping together by prayer for us…” (vs. 8-11) We can count on the fact that as we go through trials there are others going through the same difficulties or maybe even more severe difficulties. It is our privilege to pray for them, strengthen and encourage them, and maybe even hug and cry with them. It is never right for us to have a pity party over our difficulties and cry and complain about how bad we have it. We must acknowledge the trial, embrace the trial, and by God’s grace endure the trial. When we respond properly to the trials that God gives to us, our faith is increased and the opportunities to use it for God’s glory increases. Paul concludes this passage with these verses to the Corinthian church, “Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” (vs. 23-24) Who are you using your experiences to help comfort today?
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to always respond in faith to the trials that you allow into my life. I know that you cannot make a mistake and that the trials are there to help me and never to hurt me.
• Lord, please make me very sensitive to the opportunities to help others be comforted with the same comfort I have received during my trials. I want to be a blessing and fulfill your purpose through every trial.
• Lord, please help me to never be overwhelmed by what life deals. I have a God who cares and loves me, and will never allow me to go through any trial alone. Help me to look to you and draw my wisdom and strength from you.