Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Comfort, I'm Sharing It

I love this:

2 Corinthians 1:4 (Speaking about God giving us comfort in troubles) who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.

I remember all through Fall & Winter having a strong desire to be a comforter and a teacher to those who are suffering in trials. Not those just going through a trial, we all do that. No, I had a deep desire to help those who were helpless in their struggle as I was. To help those who so desperately needed comfort and an answer, something to cling to. I can remember saying many times & blogging about how if I ever got out of "this thing" I would preach it from the rooftops! I would not be silent with the knowledge of my experience.

I am so happy that God has given me this opportunity. I am so happy for confirmations too.

Don't you just love confirmations? I totally love when that happens.

I came across the above scripture about a two weeks ago. I remember thinking yes, that is what I am going to be able to do now. YES, God gave me that desire, because I do not like to be the center of attention, like ever. A person teaching is the um, center of attention. This is not something I would ever normally desire. I like to be the armor bearer, you know the person behind the scenes making life easier for the dude at the podium. So I laughed when I read it and I knew that speaking was something I just had to do. I have always had a heart to help people, now I truly want to comfort them and teach.

So the confirmation thing... ever since then this verse keeps coming up. At church, TV, I keep coming across it during my daily studies. I just read it again this morning as I went backwards to check on something I was reading in Colossians. There she was again, 2 Corinthians 1:4. We should comfort because we have been comforted.

I can't even begin to convey how strongly I desire to do this and it scares me to death. But a good kind of scared. I know it is good for something to be beyond you because then you know that it is God doing it through you. Keeps ya humble, always a good thing. I want to jump in but I know I must be patient. I'm still praying madly that my voice won't shake like crazy when I speak this Thursday evening.

I would just like to encourage you to be a comfort to those around you. Even at church, many times if I shared a trouble the person would listen, pat my back, give me a hug and quote a scripture. That was great most of the time but when a real need arose, there was no one to comfort me. Even a lingering hug & giving your word to someone that you will pray for them wholeheartedly can be a great source of comfort.

Where have you received your comfort? Has God shown you the way to overcome fear? So many Christians are plagued with fear. Comfort them. Has God shown you how to have unwavering faith? Comfort those who need it desperately, show them the way.

What we receive we are not to keep for ourselves. We are meant to share our knowledge, share our comfort, share the gospel. What can you do today to be a comfort to someone in a place that you yourselves have received comfort?

5 comments:

Danielle said...

I love to be a comfort and support to other people, but I fail alot of the times in words. At least verbally spoken words. But words written down on paper... I can do that. I love sending cards, and gifts--ones which I've made. It's just my way of adding a personal touch to it.

Heart2Heart said...

This is a great post and one that I have taken on my blog as a personal mission in life to comfort, encourage and motivate. It's something I can do with ease because I believe it's a gift that God gave me to use for His good.

My favorite scripture, "He who refreshes will himself be refreshed!" Proverbs 11:25.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

What an important point you make. What we receive, we are not to keep but to pass on! I agree wholeheartedly. I have not had any wavering points in my faith yet (but then my faith is new), and I have never really known fear, but that is likely the result of being raised in a horribly abusive family (my sister did not think we would live to grow up), so nothing by comparison is frightening. I am not sure how to share THAT, though. Perhaps some other aspect of confidence, instead.

(And I know that Kat follows your guidance because she leaves encouraging comments on my blog from time to time.)

God bless you!

Tasha Simons said...

Our Bible study group prayed for you today when we met. I gave them an update on your life... from where you were before when we met and we prayed for you to where you are now. Praise the Lord, Jenny! You've come a long way in your walk with God. He will be with you tomorrow when you speak. Remember Moses had trouble speaking, but God worked through him.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God and the peace of God , which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

May you experience His perfect peace when you speak tomorrow.

Love you,

Tasha

dawnkristine said...

I just read your June 4, 2008. I could have wrote that one in about June, 2002. A local manufacturing company had been really slow, and my sales showed. I prayed EVERY DAy for God to take a great big eraser to my life so I could start over...and one by one he did provide. By September 2003, everything I hoped and prayed would be erased was and I look now and couldn't be happier with the life He has given me...blessed beyond my wildest dreams or desires.