Lately, I just haven't been my usual bloggy self. You might call it writer's block - you might say I'm uninspired - but I say I'm just plain ol' tired. Not just "need-a-good-night's-sleep" tired; but exhausted, empty, and worn out. I could try to explain why - but the thought of typing it all out makes me even more tired! Suffice it to say, I am not coping very well with being too busy for my own liking; and I miss being home, just doing the things I enjoy.
Last Sunday afternoon, our pastor preached from II Corinthians 1:1-14. It was about the "God of all comfort." (vs. 3) The situation was that Paul and his company had just experienced tribulation and trials - so much so that they despaired of their very lives! They felt "pressed out of measure, beyond strength." (vs. 8) And yet, they sought their deliverance from the God who raises the dead, not trusting in themselves. (vs. 9) Paul realized that what he learned in trials was often something that might comfort someone else (it wasn't all about himself!); his consolation was in Christ who understood his suffering. NOW, right there I must say that MY "suffering" is NOTHING compared to what Christ endured. That in and of itself makes my piddly inconveniences seem so tiny!
What it also made me realize is that God told Christians to expect trials and disappointments (see I Peter 4:12-13) - to, in fact, count it "all joy" (James 1:2); He uses those situations in our lives for His good. Someone said if we didn't have trials, we would become stagnant and would never change, stretch, and grow! God isn't asking me to do anything unreasonable. He will give me strength to get up tomorrow and do what I need to do - but it isn't until I give up my will that He can pour His joy into me. He'll provide rest when the time is right - He'll allow me to be a reclusive homebody after my work is done. His grace is sufficient; He is the God of all comfort.
2 comments:
I've been feeling the same way lately--and our Sunday school lesson this week was from 2Cor 1! I love how it says that we share in the suffering of Christ (a TINY bit of suffering for us comparared to His!) that we may share also in His comfort (HUGE!). I guess I just want the comfort part most days and not the suffering...sigh..but contentment is a choice, and I think peace and joy follow. I'm still workin' on it!
Very well put, Conny. I'm right with you...who wants suffering?! Not me, sister!! I want what I want when I want it. Ah, but doesn't the All Wise God know what's best? :) Yep, I believe He does.
Isn't the Word of God so good???!!! I just love it!
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