Anyone who has been a leader, in the church or the secular world will tell you that much of their strength comes from the support of those they lead, or represent. Even when they are away from their group knowing that someone, maybe a lot of someones, somewhere is behind them helps get you over the rough patches. All Christians no matter if they are leaders or not have this kind of comfort available to them. As Christians we are never truly alone. Christ and God the father are always with us ! they are always there to comfort us when needed, and to prepare us for future ministry to those who later face the same challenges. We see this plainly in 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3-4 (NIV,) where Paul writes "Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." As Christians we rightfully spend most of our time on our relationship with Christ. Notice however how the apostle makes it clear in this verse that God the father stands by our side as well. In fact the entire trinity is at our service. Did Christ himself not say that he has sent his Holy Spirit to be with us until he returns? Why then do they comfort us so? There are two reasons, both Jesus and God the Father love each of us a great deal. Notice that Paul calls God "the Father of compassion." He is the ultimate source of compassion, and shares it with us for the asking. However I think the second half of this verse is even more profound. When Paul writes that we are comforted so that we might comfort others it is a call to active ministry. It also adds a positive meaning to the challenges in life. Every time the Lord sees us through what we feel is a struggle it makes us that much more valuable to our families, our churches, and our communities. So the next time you pray your way out of a crisis, praise God for the comfort you have received, then thank him in advance for the opportunity that will come your way to pass that comfort along. |
