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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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 receive from God.
Our God is the “Father of compassion.” He knows who you are and where you are. He understands what you are going through. He sympathizes with you. He loves you deeply. And He is the “God of all comfort.” He comes to us with strength. He brings peace to our pain and calm to our chaos. As the psalmist declares, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19).
Now take another look at today’s passage. He comforts us so that we can comfort others. Having experienced God’s work in our lives, we have the privilege and responsibility to share that needed help with others. We are to take the comfort that we have received and use it to help those God places in our lives.
Have you ever lost a job? Find a person going through that experience now. Have you faced divorce? Who is more equipped than you to minister to a person going through a divorce today? Have you lost a loved one? There is no shortage of grieving people. Did God deliver you from addiction? All around you are people stumbling and struggling. God’s work in our lives serves a twofold purpose. God powerfully worked in your life; now, it’s time to share His power with someone else.
Father, today, lead me to a person who is going through what I have gone through. Just as You have comforted me, help me minister that same comfort to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
[/expand]Read through the Bible this year:
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Today on The Journey Broadcast:
Praising God for the truth of His word. This particular passages speaks to me so clearly as I have experienced the pain of divorced parents at age 12, walked through drug and alcohol abuse with a family member that eventually resaulted in his death and also grieved the death of my father. Humanly we say WHY? ….. and then God answers. I, God, allowed this sin and destruction to equip you to serve, comfort and care for those that I will bring into your life, so you can be the hand and feet of Jesus in the world. I am humbled to serve as God has equipped me.
I often recall to mind and sing in my thoughts and old song, ” Here I am Lord, it is I Lord, I heard you calling in the night. I will listen, I will follow and I will hold your people in my heart”.
Amen