9-13-2014

Good Morning All,

       2 Corinthians 7:6; “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus”

        It is always an interesting to listen to people who have just been through a struggle in their life.  It doesn’t seem to matter if it is a health scare, family struggles, or even death.  Most of them are very thankful to me for “being there.”  “I don’t think I could have made it without you.”  “You were such a great help.”  “Your words were comforting.”  These are phrases that can go right to a preacher’s head.  Except that deep down, they are really terrifying.  Because if you think that these people really need you, you begin to weigh down a lot.  This is where our verse comes in and helps.

    It is important to remember that it is God who gives the comfort.  In our verse, Paul mentions that God’s comfort takes the form of Titus.  Yet it could have been Silas, or Timothy, or Luke or anyone else because God would have seen to the comforting of Paul.  The same is true today.  God may use me to deliver his comfort but he could and would use anyone to bring the comfort and the consolation to his people.  God speaks so that you may be comforted.  Who God uses as the physical hands, arms and mouth is up to him.  This has a couple of implications for us.

    When we are Paul, when we need to be comforted or encouraged; God will send someone.  It might be your pastor or a family member or a neighbor or a good friend; but God will send them.  So be prepared to receive those saints into your life.  Hear God through them.  Be comforted by their presence, their words and their prayers.  Listen as you can hear God’s Words of comfort.  This is how god works in our lives.  He uses the church (all believers) to bring us comfort and hope.  This is part of “bear one another’s burdens”.

    Yet sometimes, you are Titus.  You are the one who brings comfort.  It can take many forms.  It might be a short visit.  It might be to take them to the doctor.  It might be to watch the children as they do something else.  It might be a meal shared.  It takes many forms because each of us has a different skill, talent and comfort level.  You may not feel comfortable speaking but you can listen.  You really only have to be there for them.  Most of the time, people just need someone to listen to them and to be there with them.  They need someone to pray for them and to pray with them.  When God calls you to do this, be like Titus knowing that God will go with you and aid you in your task.

Father of all comfort, we come before you praying for all those who are downcast.  Lift their spirits up that they may see your wondrous love at work in their lives.  Too often we look down at the pain instead of up to you in glory.  Keep us safe from all harm.  Move us to serve as Titus when our brothers and sisters need us.  Lead us to receive like Paul when our hearts are heavy.  Lead us to bear one another’s burdens.  In the precious name of Jesus, our risen savior, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret