“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
November 26, 2022
Did you know that trouble in your life may give you a greater testimony? It may be through deep sorrow and pain that God gives you the greatest testimony. The Apostle Paul, who knew much sorrow, said this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” This verse tells us God is the source of comfort, and it is God who comforts us in tribulation. If you didn’t have tribulation, you wouldn’t need comfort. It also says God takes that comfort He gives us and allows us to comfort others with that same comfort we have received from Him.
Joyce and I experienced the loss of a child, and I’ve seen mothers—not just once, but many times—come to Joyce and receive comfort when they themselves lost children. And I have seen Joyce—not in a theoretical way, but in a very real way—share the comfort that she has received from the Lord with others. We’re able to comfort others with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God. Don’t get the idea that if we just sail through life with no difficulties, it’s going make us better witnesses. That’s not so.
Share your testimony about how God was with you through a difficult time with another person this week.
Just as plants need certain essentials to grow—light, water, and fertile soil—so do new Christians, babes in the faith. Without these essential basic truths of the faith, they will never establish strong roots or bear fruit. What Every Christian Ought to Know is a valuable volume for new Christians and young disciples and a suitably instructive resource for believers of all ages. This new paperback edition includes discussion questions for personal reflection or group study.