" COMFORT / UN ANXIETY "

Good Morning, Well as always it's so great that you saw fit to stop by today.

" COMFORT " consolation: freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety: also something that gives such freedom. 

Now let's get started, we are instructed to comfort one another. Doing the Lord's work doesn't guarantee a comfortable life. Many people think that believing in God protects them from trouble, so when calamity appears, they question God's goodness and justice. We are promised that everything, even our discomfort, has meaning in God's plan. Real comfort is sacrificing yours to show love for another. When you love someone, you will do all you can to ensure the safety of that person and care for his or her needs, even at a cost to your personal comfort.

Now, this shows up most often in small actions - walking upstairs to get your spouse a glass of water, leaving work early to attend some function your child is involved in, or sacrificing your personal comfort to tend to the needs of a friend. Knowing that God keeps his promises can comfort you too. As we read the Word of God hopefully you are convinced that it is true. More important you realize that it is more than just stories; it is part of God's Word. In it The Father is revealing to you his plans for human history. Is your faith becoming too comfortable? Are you willing to totally obey God, what if the Lord tells you that he needs you to accomplish a task on the other side of the world, what would you do?

Now if you do completely understand that God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't allow the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God's plan for you. Don't give into society's pressures. Don't settle for comfort without commitment. Stand up against evil by living as God would have his people live.

FINAL POINT: Ways to become a better comforter to those in pain: (1) Don't talk just for the sake of talking; (2) don't sermonize by giving pat answers; (3) don't accuse or criticize; (4) put yourself in the other person's place; and (5) offer help and encouragement. The best comforters are those who know something about personal suffering.

Until Next Time...

Jim,