For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn - conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
Paul often encountered hardship, not just from the circumstances he was in, but also from the fear and worries that the enemy devil placed inside his heart. Very often the fear inside us is more effective hindering us from following God. So, what made Paul never felt defeated and continued to dash forward despite of all the persecution and hindrance?
First of all, in verse six, Paul said that he learned how God always comforts the downcast. Back in the Old Testament time, Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress in order to avoid persecution by the Midianites. God sent a messenger who addressed him as "mighty warrior." How could Gideon be a mighty warrior if he was hiding himself from the Midianites? But God comforted Gideon because He is Jehovah Shalom, which means "Jehovah is my peace." When Elijah was running for his life from Queen Jezebel, he sat under a broom tree and wanted to die, but angel prepared food for him, asked him to rest for a while, because he had a long way to go. The Lord did not abandon Elijah, but instead gave him another opportunity to complete his assignment. Are you also under the circumstance of a downcast? You need to quickly turn back to the Lord, because He's more than happy to comfort us.
Next, we can see through verses six and seven that Paul was also comforted by the brothers and sisters. When you are frustrated or in despair, it's important to be comforted by other people because it also represents God's comfort. When Paul was in extreme pain, the visit by Titus by brought him tremendous comfort. When people are frustrated, we can bring them comfort just by listening to them. If we can't visit them in person, we can always pray for them. Many brothers and sisters could not visit Paul, but they asked Titus to bring their prayer to him, and Paul's heart was comforted. Perhaps friends and family around you or far away from you are in frustration or despair, so now is the time to pray for each of them so that the comfort of God may reach them.
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, I thank you because you are willing to comfort us. I bring each and every friend and family who's in frustration and despair before you, and I ask that you would do your good work inside their hearts, to bring them true comfort. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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