The God of all comfort

Currently in the middle of reading through 2 Corinthians.

I have been really struck with the reality of Paul's life and situation. Too often we see him with historical hindsight as a giant of faith, a semi-human hero of the Christian life for whom life was never a struggle and nothing evry slipped from his grasp.

Well, the reality of this man is quite different. And, in turn, the reality of living for and in Jesus is also quite different from the glorious procession of blessing that some advocate. Paul's claim to know the comfort of god is not an abstract concept. It comes from the deep struggle of a heart longing to serve god, and facing trouble and hardship on all sides, yet finding solace and hope in the presence of his father.

The first chapter begins with Paul reporting un explained troubles in Asia. there is specualtion thjat this may have something to do with the troubles he experienced in Ephesus as documented in Acts, but we aren't sure. What we are sure of is that this situation drove Paul to his lowest ebb, his long night of the soul. It says that he felt the sentence of death within him :

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life."

But this is not how it stayed:

"But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹as you help us by your prayers."

If we pretend never to face any troubles, we cannot really find that peace that passess all understanding. Keep your front erected and never let God into the dark places - and they'll stay dark. Only that which is un-confessed cannot be forgiven.

Comfort is not trite, the spiritual equiavlent of a stroke and tea & sympathy. Comfort reaches you where you are, re-orientates you, and gives you renewed hope and vision for the future. It doesn't let you wallow, but refreshes you , lifts you to have another go.

peace Y'all

Matt Crossman

Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude

n : delight in another person's misfortune [syn: Schadenfreude]

Matt Crossman

His story

It all started with a relatively simple prayer. Having revisited some of the teaching from Soul in the City 2004 that i manifestly failed to live out, i began to pray each day as i walk the the three miles to work , "God, take my tiny spec of a breath of a life and merge it into what you're doing today, into your eternal story"

Its only been a week but most days now I get stopped by people in need - it started last thursday when I was driving my car down to the garage to get a new windscreen. Its about 8 am and it is throwing down with rain - seriously crazy weather. Im trying to get out of my tight little road when a car grinds to a halt round the corner - now im late and very pushed for time but I can't not help this woman trying to push AND steer her car into a safe position in the pouring rain - especially when I have such a massive corporate umbrella right next to me. So I jump out and help the best I can, and she's really grateful.

Last tuesday I got stopped in the street for directions and was able to help on my walk to work. this morning I was able to direct a desperate looking young couple to the emergency dental hospital when they stopped me in the street.

So i guess my blog related thought is this: that God is just waiting for us to step into his stuff, to accept His invitation to be set free to serve Him. I'm going to keep praying this prayer and see what happens - maybe i'll get to meet some of these people again someday, and be able to do a little to show them that some people in this world consider serving others not to be menial but to be the most worthy and fitting response to all that they've received.

Peace y'all

Matt

Matt Crossman