Suffer to Comfort

Okay, so we suffer for Jesus. Persecution follows us as we serve our Saviour. Why?

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort. He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God. Because Christ suffered so much for us, we can receive so much comfort from him. Besides, if we suffer, it brings you comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, we can effectively comfort you when you endure the same sufferings that we endure. We have confidence in you. We know that as you share our sufferings, you also share our comfort” (2 Cor 1:3-7 God’s Word ©).

I have encouraged others who find themselves under extreme attack from evil, religion and betrayers, but Sunday God led me to 2 Corinthians, and I know why, at least in part.

God has comforted me in ways far beyond the torture I have experienced. Crazy, that sounds, but not a fraud. It doesn’t mean persecution hasn’t left scars. Nor am I exempt from residual pain. Yet the truth rises that I have survived. In some ways I thrive. No, I am not Saint Somebody, and not Martyr Maxwell either.

God “comforts us whenever we suffer”.

And then we can comfort others who suffer for Christ.

The Good Samaritan by Steven Sawyer

I don’t get all of this, but I get this much. God did not bring me through this because I’m more special. NO!

Creator brought me through this to minister to others. The persecutors intended to destroy me. God opened up ministry.

Several people have called me Barnabas, a name I barely deserve, but now I know why I spend so much effort encouraging. Paraclete, the Comforter, works through my tragedy to serve others who struggle.

“The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties” (Romans 8:37 God’s Word ©).
+++++++
This Lent I am being led on a pilgrimage. I do not yet know if it is from persecution or to suffering or through both. Nevertheless the journey has begun.

4 responses to “Suffer to Comfort”

nopew
March 26th, 2014 at 12:42

Alas I fear you are correct. Cheering sports teams in our culture is good, but telling the Good News about Jesus is discouraged, even by church people. Oh well, we will just bloom where we are planted.
Peace

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greenlightlady
March 25th, 2014 at 23:29

Good on you for passing on the same comfort that was given to you by the Holy Spirit. Imagine if all the New Testament people who’d been touched/healed by Jesus had kept it to themselves. I suspect that too many Christians keep the very story God has for them to share hidden under a bushel.

Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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nopew
March 25th, 2014 at 17:33

Thanks for laughing. My family usually groans 🙂 !
May you find compassion and wisdom to encourage those around you when pain screams louder than hope.
Peace

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JC
March 25th, 2014 at 16:01

I am laughing at Martyr Maxwell 🙂 But this was a good post. These similar thoughts are what prompted me to write my post today. I was talking to a friend who’s fiance left her high and dry without her even knowing she was no longer engaged.
These are the scenarios where it is so hard to encourage others that God has a plan for their hurt. But encourage we must 🙂
Blessings my brother
JC

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nopew
March 26th, 2014 at 12:42

Alas I fear you are correct. Cheering sports teams in our culture is good, but telling the Good News about Jesus is discouraged, even by church people. Oh well, we will just bloom where we are planted.
Peace

LikeLike
greenlightlady
March 25th, 2014 at 23:29

Good on you for passing on the same comfort that was given to you by the Holy Spirit. Imagine if all the New Testament people who’d been touched/healed by Jesus had kept it to themselves. I suspect that too many Christians keep the very story God has for them to share hidden under a bushel.

Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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nopew
March 25th, 2014 at 17:33

Thanks for laughing. My family usually groans 🙂 !
May you find compassion and wisdom to encourage those around you when pain screams louder than hope.
Peace

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JC
March 25th, 2014 at 16:01

I am laughing at Martyr Maxwell 🙂 But this was a good post. These similar thoughts are what prompted me to write my post today. I was talking to a friend who’s fiance left her high and dry without her even knowing she was no longer engaged.
These are the scenarios where it is so hard to encourage others that God has a plan for their hurt. But encourage we must 🙂
Blessings my brother
JC

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Beyond Our Ability to Endure | viewoutsidethepew March 26th, 2014 at 16:42

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