Troubles

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God gave us.

2 Corinthians 1:4

He is “…the source of all our comfort”(2cor 1:3). If we don’t have a situation to push us to an uneasy place we cannot discover that true comfort, we only know the counterfeits, what the world tells us will heal and help numb the pain. We push it away and don’t deal with it. These “solutions” the world hands to us that are so easily accessible only numb the pain, they don’t deal with the transformative side that nurtures, heals and restores us.

Trouble will find us. It can come in our workplace, friends, family, parenting, self image, self esteem, worth, love, affection, relational, emotional and all targeted strategically against us but we are comforted “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11. For if God is for us, nothing can stand against us and prevail. The waves will roar but the boundary line is set. How much longer, I know I won’t have more than I can handle but at times the roars scare me, the wind breaks in my face and the salt intimidates my fragile state. Yet I am continually called to walk assuredly knowing the grasp of my loving Father will not allow the waters to quench me. He wants to show me and teach me His strength, His ways and His faithfulness towards me. He has loved me, and you for a fact, with an everlasting love. One that was on display on Calvary.

There is a greater love and hidden agenda the enemy doesn’t want you to discover and cultivate. The tides will rise in seasons as to intimidate you to back down but remember the boundary line has been set. It may be for the testing of your faith or strengthening of character but all for God’s purpose. Which we know is always good. His ways are above our ways!

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10

Why then? Why train and build up our faith when we are content, why shake up the ground and turn our world upside down? The Lord didn’t die and purchase us to a content life that isn’t boldly and unapologetically passionate for Him. We weren’t redeemed to not step into our full calling and purpose, being faithful in little and growing to much. We have kingdom work to do, to make disciples of all nations. That work will take an unshakable, reliable trust and faith in our living God.

When the furnace separates the impurities, it’s necessary for us to see them and take them out completely. To sanctify is to set apart as or to purify, and that’s a continual process as we go through life and the Holy Spirit’s work is to sanctify us. He convicts not condemns us to make a heartfelt repentance.

When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.

Psalm 32:3

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:5

Acknowledging the sin, confessing and living in the calling we are called for is a step we must take. I don’t care how deep in sin you feel, you have a loving Father who welcomes you with open arms. He is ready to partner with you in something greater, so strengthen your faith, stand up taller and pray.

Father, may the meditation of my heart be in line with your truth. Even when the storms of life rage around me, may my focus be continually on you. You are my constant, my fortress and the One I run to. My hope lays in You alone. Troubles may surround me but the Jericcoh walls did fall for your children and will continue to do so. For all the promises of the Lord prove true and I hold on to them dearly.