Comfort in Affliction

COMFORT FOR THE DEPRESSED Johnny Felker In 2 Corinthians one, Paul discusses what must have been one of the lowest points in his life, a time filled with deep feelings of anxiety and despair. He reports that in Asia he was "burdened excessively, beyond... strength" so that he "despaired even of life",having the "sentence of death" within himself (v. 8-9). He spoke of how he had "no rest" for his spirit,how he was "afflicted on every side", "conflictswithout, fears within" (7:5). Have you ever felt this way? Have you known this kind of pressure? As Paul reflected upon his sufferings he made several observations that will help each of us when we go through similar times of suffering. Suffering causes us to trust in God rather than ourselves. "For indeed we have the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" (2 Cor. 1:9). How powerfully suffering reminds us of our human weakness! Our inability to remove suffering points to the need to trust in God. How hard it is for us to learn that lesson! Often we have to be put flat of our back before we start looking up!Suffering prompts us to pray. Paul had learned what a great help prayer was in suffering. He reminded the Corinthians that deliverance from his afflictions could be found through their prayers (v. 11). In chapter 12, when he spoke of his thorn in the flesh he mentions how he prayed repeatedly to theLord. And so we are encouraged to do: "Is any among you suffering? Let him pray!" (Jas. 5:13) God has the power to deliver us from suffering. In contrast to man's weakness Paul describes God as one who can "raise the dead" (1:9). He who can raise one from death can also deliver one from it. In this assurance Paul affirmed that God had not only delivered him in the past but would do so in the future in keeping with his will (1:10-11)! God has the power to strengthen us while suffering! Not all God's comfort comes through the removal of that which makes us suffer. When Paul prayed for relief from his "thorn" (2 Cor. 12) God said, "My grace is sufficient for you" (v. 9). To know that we are Christians, that we have the hope of heaven, that we live in his favor provides sufficient strength to endure for Christ's sake whatever may be our lot in life. "For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison..." (2 Cor. 4:17). Our sufferings make it possible for us to comfort others in their afflictions. Paul hoped to comfort others in their afflictions just God had comforted him (1:4). What a great attitude he had! Rather than complain about his problems, he rejoiced that they provided him with the power and compassion to help others who faced similar circumstances. Who can be a better comforter to the suffering than the one who has experienced suffering and overcome it? From the day Paul rose from baptism to serve Christ, he learned as Jesus had foretold "how many things he must suffer for my name's sake". And yet in them all, Paul kept the faith. Throughout his life, he demonstrated unswerving commitment to Christ and patient hope of living with him someday. All of us can have that same hope--that whatever life may bring, God will be there to help us remain faithful and to deliver us to world where pain does not exist. Be comforted by this promise. http://www.truthchasers.com @ @ @

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For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. 2 Cor. 1:8-11

Comfort in Affliction Archives 2006 Climbing Mountains Draws Us Closer to God Subject Unto a Higher Power  Pain is a teacher Who Shall Separate Us From the Love of God? God Loves Us and He Cares If we don't cut off your leg below the knee, you're going to die." Keeping Things in Perspective Good from Suffering Time and Chance in Suffering Autumn in the Dead of Winter 2007 Does God Answer Every Prayer? Rest for the Weary  The Language of Victory/Language of Defeat Was Jesus Literally Forsaken? "Don't Worry Too Much" "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tear." Taking Time to Pray God is Faithful...Even in Philippi Knowing God About Bette Baxter "Margaret" Quotes from Anne Sullivan & Helen Keller I Know You Are Lonely Joy God is Watching You! Science & the Power of Prayer Writing and Feeling My Best (poem) My Sister, My Friend "Kindness Is..." (poem) The Lamp of Love (poem) My Soul Thirsts 2008 Soaring Like Eagles Serenity Prayer Dealing with Discouagement A Letter to My Body Happiness Is I Met a Man with Character This Week The Heavenly Places Thoughts on "hugs" Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss Memories - a poem The Garden City What is the Book of Life? Strong only in Apprearance/workers when physically weak Alone With Our Thoughts My Mama's Spoons The Value of Hope For Everything There is A Season Fill My Cup Lord (poem) Thought from Jeremiah I am Weak, He is Strong Beyond the Storm The Mender (poem) 2009 A New Year in an Old World by Jon Quinn Just to be tender, just to be true - poem What Do You Mean, Don't Worry? Mountains to Climb Change Me (poem) Waiting On Higher Ground Comfort, Oh Comfort (Isaiah 40) Glowing in the Dark Psalm 40 Introducing Kathey Freeman Burned Biscuits Victory in Jesus God is Love It is Well With My Soul Are You Praying? Count Them One by One (poem) 2010 Bearing One Another's Burdens How to Win Over Depression Finding Comfort in Our Affliction Love Never Fails The World's Bible Meditate on God and His Word The Birds Will Sing Again (poem) Where Were You When I Laid the Foundation of the Earth? Is God There? His Eye is on the Sparrow (hymn) How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

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