Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and 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.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
God is introduced in many ways to many people; it seems that no two people's experiences are the same. Paul, who writes here, had an interesting conversion experience, which, as far as bible records go, has not been repeated. Whether by personal experience or by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he speaks here again about an experience of God, as the father of mercies and the God of ALL comfort. What would these definitions mean to me as an individual?
First, I stand by God's mercy, the same mercy that drove Jesus to the cross, so I could enjoy all that God is and has. This same mercy keeps the throne of God's grace accessible to me, no matter what I have done. I can walk in and access mercy when I need it. Secondly, part of the package is the supply of strength to enable me stand in the face of whatever comes my way as a result of the decision I made to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
You may then wonder why God does all of these. This is not the full story, but for today's extract, God supplies the mercy and comfort so that I can know Him, and then be able to impact other people with that knowledge. How would God be made known to the world if those who claim to be His own do not proclaim him with their lives? As men see the hand of God on my life, they may wonder how I have made it, and that is an opportunity to make known the comfort and mercy that only God can supply.
This is the focus: never about me but about God. My life is the platform upon which God is made known. Nothing God gives me is to be hoarded for personal use only, but it must be a message of encouragement to other people who may be going through their own rough patch. When men read my story, can they see the hand of God's grace and mercy, or do they just see my labour and efforts only? I am comforted, so that what I have received can flow out and bless other people. God's time of favour is here.
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