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Inspirations From The Mountains
April 21, 2008
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. NKJV
I'm sorry to admit it, but for years I wasted my pain. Even though God brought incredible comfort during those times, I spent much of my time wallowing in self-pity, often behaving like a child and constantly asking why? God, why did You allow these horrible things to happen to me? I've always tried to serve You. Why did you leave me widowed and my children fatherless? Why did you take our child and grandchild at such an early age? They were just beginning to live. Why have some of our grandchildren become addicts, thieves and spent time in jail? We pray for them constantly. Why do I have an incurable affliction that torments me day and night? Aren't You the Healer?
But as time passed and I spent time in His Word and prayer He finally got my attention and showed me that my pains were for His purposes so I might remember His comfort, then pass it on to others who were suffering. He wants me to be His eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet, to love and comfort those who are in any trouble. I can feel the pain of the widow and fatherless, therefore I can genuinely comfort them. I can feel the deep agony of parents who have lost a child and weep with them. I can reach out to those who have children who are addicted or have criminal records. I can love every single one of those sometimes unloveable inmates. I can pray for and minister to those who will spend their days with incurable pain.
So, dear friends, don't waste your pain. Remember God's comfort and pass that comfort on to others who are suffering. Your comfort may be what that person needs to draw them to the God of All Comfort, and you just might help to pull them out of the fire.
The Apostle Paul said, But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12
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