Devotional

2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.  

Most of us have heard that God can bring all circumstances of your life to work together for good and His glory. But do you really believe this statement? In reality it is at times difficult to see how unexpected pain and deep turmoil is allowed by such a loving God.

 Understand, I do not believe God brings deep pain upon us but He is with us in the muck. I have found that in my life. The only way to deal with the suffering positively and proactively is to view it through the eyes of God.  Everything won’t be completely clear, but you’ll have confidence that the One who redeemed you will not abandon His work in your life.

As my message said last Sunday we need to always remember that we are a beloved child of the living God. If sadness, heartache or pain touches your life, the Lord knows all about it and will catch the tears that fall as one Psalmist says. In His strength He will take your pain and sadness, even loneliness and produce something out of them positive. If you allow, He will use the adversity you've experienced to help you reach out to others who have been hurt and are struggling. Our God is good, not just in a moment but His entire being is good. Let us rejoice and be glad in it as he works through our pain to make us into  ministers of His grace.