COMFORT, DELIVER, PROMISE
15th May 2013
I was struck, as I began to read Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, that he started his letter by addressing real life issues.
He began with “troubles” and directed them to God who is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble...” (Chapter 1:3-4). When we are experiencing distress, sadness or bereavement we can receive from the “God of all comfort” resources that will transform our situation. When we meet those who are bound by grief, there is good news, “Jesus has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” so that we don’t grieve as those who have no hope.
Paul continues to “hardships and pressure”, he had even felt under the sentence of death, but then declares, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us, On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” (Ch 1:10) Paul does not hide that fact that he has been having a tough time, but then boldly states his confidence in God to deliver. We need to understand that God is committed to us in every difficulty and challenge in life.
He then faces the criticism that he has made promises that he has failed to keep. This is an area where we all fail and need to seek forgiveness from those we have let down. But the good news is that “God is faithful” and Paul gives this confident assurance that God’s promises do not fail. He says, “For no matter how many promises God has made they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (Ch 1:20)
So today are you facing troubles, hardships or waiting for promises from God to be fulfilled? Be encouraged God is the God of all comfort, He is our deliverer in times of great pressure, and He never fails to keep His promises.
by Charles Sibthorpe
