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Posts Tagged ‘2nd Corinthians 01’

Paul’s Trouble – Same As Ours

Posted in Difficulties, Paul, tagged , , , , on June 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »

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: – 2nd Corinthians 1:8

There is a bigger story just below the surface in Paul’s message of God’s comfort in stress!

When Paul first started his missionary journey God specifically told him NOT to go to Asia (Acts 16:6)! But eventually he went there anyway and mentions in several of his letters the personal stress and grief from Asia (2nd Timothy 1:15). Hindsight is 20/20 but this wasn’t the only time he pushed when the Holy Spirit said wait. (Acts 20:22-24, Acts 21:4).

It seems to be his way, is it ours? Should it be?

Paul was goal oriented; once set there was little stopping him. His heart was in the right place but his obedience was not always there.

Three (3) things this shows us:

  1. God’s guidance is for our benefit and we should listen more closely.
  2. Even deeply spiritual people have flaws and don’t always listen, bringing them personal grief which could have been avoided.
  3. God uses even our mis-steps to further his kingdom, to use us mightily, to grow us spiritually, and through it all his love comforts.

– fritz@langgang.com
Related Posts:
1 – Better Guidance: April 21, 2011

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Why Me?!

Posted in Why, tagged on May 9, 2011| Leave a Comment »

There is an answer to the, “Why”,  though at the time we usually don’t like it.

Blessed be … the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. – 2nd Corinthians 1:2-4

God allows us to endure a little of what the world experiences so we can comfort those going through similar things but without the resources to survive.

Far from being abandoned, God is giving a purpose and life calling. This is, of course, easier to hear after the first shock.

Prayer: Father, I know you have not abandoned me but are, instead, clarifying my life’s calling.  You are good and everything you do is right and I shall trust you.

Sound Bite: The things God allows are what I would, too, if I knew all the facts like He does.

– fritz@langgang.com

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Suffering, what to look for

Posted in consolation, Suffering, tagged on September 13, 2010| Leave a Comment »

“God … comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God….knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” – 2nd Corinthians 1:3a, 4a, 7b

Many don’t suffer for their faith, like the early apostles did, but every person has some tragedy, suffering, personal weakness, or situation causing them to ask, “Why me, and why this?!”

God offers a partial reason and a personal promise.

  1. The promise? Consolation! God promises if (when) we suffer there SHALL be a consolation from Him, so look for it! Stop focusing on “why this or why that and start looking for His consolation – it will be there, somewhere, He says it will!

  2. The partial reason? It’s the same as why we, who have given our lives to Christ, still remain here – to use our lives and experiences to give hope to others and to introduce them to the One who gives us hope and consolation.

Suffering people listen to those who have suffered like them and survived.

Stop thinking life is all about you, in the suffering look for His consolation and when you have it share how you found it!

– fritz

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