Looking for Trouble?

thanks, Flickr

We talked about God being the Father of Compassion and the God of all Comfort - the perfect source of comfort when we are need - on Monday. Today we are going to talk about the fact that we will suffer, we will endure hard times, we will face trials. But in those trials and troubles, we are able to experience God.

For just as Christ’s [own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us. 2 Corinthians 1:5 AMP

The overflowing of suffering AND comfort. Paul is saying that sure we will have difficulties. In fact, hardships will abound!  But just as we have an abundance of suffering, we will be overwhelmed with comfort and consolation. Ironic it seems, but as Christians the two – suffering and comfort – really do go hand in hand. Our relationship with Christ guarantees suffering, but it also guarantees His comfort!

There are many times that I find myself praying for someone who is going through a “trouble” or hardship in life. This difficult situation may be tragic, or just a temporary trial. But, God has taught me lately that when I pray for these people and their situations I am to pray that God Himself will be revealed to them. I truly believe that His word teaches that His glory is revealed through our sufferings and trials. Many think that “His glory revealed” speaks of heaven or His return. No doubt it does. However, I believe that His glory is also revealed all around us here on earth if we look for it. What is God’s glory? What are we searching for? Christian author, teacher, and speaker Beth Moore says, “God’s glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable.” 


Think of the people in the Bible that God used in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes and make Himself recognizable. Abraham. Moses. Daniel. Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus. The disciples. Paul. Can you think of one of them that did not go through a trial or some form of trouble?


In every situation above, God’s glory was ultimately revealed.  He “was recognizable” in these difficult situations to show who He is to not only the one involved in the trial, but also the spectators looking on! Difficulties that we face ultimately reveal God to us and others. They often bring an intimacy with God we have never experienced before. 



So now, I ask you, are you looking for “TROUBLE?”  Probably not.  In fact, you are probably hoping that your relationship with Christ can grow without all the difficulties and heartache.  No, we would never ask for hardships in life.  But, when troubles come, and they will, we need to meet them with the longing and the anticipation of a closer walk with the Lord.  Because on the other side of that trouble is the knowledge and experience that God has revealed Himself and shown Himself to be the God of comfort and the Father of compassion.  


I want you to know that I am praying for you today, my friend. God loves you, He has a plan for your life, and He will never leave you or forsake you. He wants to reveal Himself to you. 


Living for ONE by getting off the throne,


Kelli




Linking with Winsome Wednesday, Internet Cafe Devotions, and Getting Down with Jesus

All in All

When I tell people that my favorite book in the bible is Second Corinthians, they often look at me funny. You can tell they are scanning their scripture memorization bank to recall any verse that might be worthy of memorizing in Second Corinthians. There are others who don't even know that there was a second letter written to the church at Corinth. 


For me, these thirteen chapters hold truths and powerful statements that have been transformational in my life and ministry. If you missed the first two posts of this series, I invite you to go back and read When God has a Different Objective and There's Only Room for One. 


So, if 2 Corinthians has never been your favorite book of the bible or if you've never memorized any scripture from this book, I pray that by the end of this series, you will have been prompted by the Spirit to do so. 


So, let's jump in! The third verse in the very first chapter of 2 Corinthians will stop you in your tracks. 

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.  (2 Co 1:3–4)

There's so much packed in these verses, but I want to focus on the "alls" and the "any."  The God of all comfort is the One who comforts us in all our troubles. It does not say the God of some comfort is the One who comforts us in some of our troubles. Praise God, He doesn’t choose which situation in my life He will be there for me! He is always there for me.  And this verse even tells me that when I do run to others (spouse, family, friends) for comfort, guess what? He is the One who has empowered them to share it with me. The point is: God is the source of your comfort.  

I am reminded of a personal illustration. You see, if you know me, you know I enjoy talking – with just about anyone for just about any reason. Therefore, if a “trouble” comes my way, I often pick up the phone to call my Mom, or one of my closest friends to vent, and to seek the answers I want to hear. After “venting” recently to my Grandmother about a situation, she called me the next morning.  The conversation went like this:




“Hello?”
“Hey, Honey.” (She always calls me “Honey.”)
“Hey, Grandmother.”  (I always call her “Grandmother.”)
“Listen, Honey, I can’t talk long, but I just wanted to know if you were doing better today.”
“Yes, Grandmother, I am.  Thank you for letting me “vent” yesterday.”
“Well, Honey, I was listening to a pastor speak on the radio last night and I heard a very interesting comment.  In fact, I feel like the Lord wanted me to share it with you.”
“What, Grandmother?” 
“Well, this pastor said, ‘Get off the phone and go to the throne.’”
Silence.
“Ok, Honey, I’ll be going now.  I love you.” Click.
I. was. stunned.


You see, He is the source of all comfort. Our family and friends, or whomever we go to for comfort, are just the empowered distributors. Though it is great that we have people that we can go to and talk to, He would love to be your first stop for comfort. Tell Him what you are feeling. Let Him know your hurts and your fears. Tell Him how lonely you are. And when you can’t even put your thoughts into words, don’t worry; the Spirit is right there interceding on your behalf. Our Lord wants to be our Comforter, our Source of Compassion. He wants to be our All in All.  


What are you thinking right now? Do you allow Jesus to be your All in All? How has God been your source of compassion and comfort? I would love to hear your comments. In fact, as I prepare to write this book, your comments are more needed than ever. Please let me know if God moves you or if you have any insight. Reading by email? click here to go to the site to comment. If not, scroll down to comment.


Living for ONE by getting off the throne!


Kelli

Linking with: Jen  at Finding Heaven Today and

There is Only Room for One

I told the first part of this story on Tuesday. So, if you missed it, you might want to go here to read it.

thanks, Flickr

I left the classroom that day knowing that God was beginning something in me. I once again reminded Him that I really just needed some school credit and that perhaps we could put off transformation for another time. 

                                                                                                                            But He was persistent.

My thoughts quickly moved to getting some lunch. As I walked down the hallway, I saw a professor that I had not had for any of my classes. I smiled and gave the normal greeting. Out of the blue, she asked me if I had plans for lunch. I did not. We decided to go to the cafeteria together.

We sat down with our lunches and begin to chat. We shared comments about the summer, about seminary, about classes. Then she asked me to tell her about my life, my family, my ministry. I launched into this glowing description of my life.  My marriage was great. My ministry was booming and growing. My grades were great. I was moving forward in my calling. I told her that our extended families had just gone through some recent trials and that I had helped them through it. I was there to be strong. I was there to give comfort. I was there to provide advice and counsel. I was there to hold things together. 

My. My. My. I. I. I. I. Me. Me. Me. Me. 

She leaned gently across the table. I thought she was getting ready to applaud me and my efforts. But instead she said,

"Will you please get off the throne?"

                                                         I was mortified. I was humiliated. I was humbled. 

My heart lay there fully exposed on that cafeteria table.  And before you get defensive on my behalf and wonder who she thought she was saying that to me…those words weren't hers. Those words came from a God who loves me, who has a plan for me, who knows me, and who wants relationship with me. Those words began a journey of transformation that I am still on after fourteen years. 

It was then, right there in that cafeteria that I realized that as long as I sat on the throne of my life – in control, taking the credit for my accomplishments, and relishing in pride – I would never really see the power of God at work in my life.  There is room for only one on the throne – will it be you or Christ?

Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.  Psalm 51: 16 - 17

Friends, this is the introduction to a bible study/book that I am writing. The rich verses of Second Corinthians are woven throughout as Paul also addresses the issues of pride, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance. I invite you on this journey with me as we seek to get off the throne of our lives and let God be God. I would love to hear your comments. If you are reading by email, click here.

Living for ONE by getting off the throne of my life,

Kelli