MORNING MANNA 3-28-22
THE COMFORTS OF CHRIST
“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
There are times when God does not work in our lives in the way we would prefer. Perhaps an illness does not respond to treatment. Sometimes an economic hardship is persistent. Paul prayed fervently and repeatedly for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed, but God refused. There are times when God’s plan for us involves things that are painful or difficult for us to experience. Yet when that is the case, He never forsakes us, but instead gives us the grace we need to keep going.
The English pastor and hymn writer John Fawcett said, “How many, how suitable, how sovereign are the supports our heavenly Father affords to His afflicted children! They make the affliction, which in itself would seem heavy and tedious appear to be light, and but for a moment. It is happier to be in the furnace of affliction with these supports than to be in the highest prosperity without them! Blessed with the hopes and comforts of Christ!”
When we don’t get what we would prefer, we must be willing to accept God’s grace and trust Him to sustain us. Sometimes people become bitter against God for the very things He has brought into their lives to make them more like His Son. Though difficulty can be the result of sin in our lives, it can also be a pruning tool God is using so that we will be more fruitful in our lives for Him. Taking up the cross is never easy, but it is an essential requirement to following Jesus Christ. God never fails to provide comfort to those who seek His face in times of trouble.- (Daily in the Word)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
