(Not) A Shipwreck
1 Chronicles 19:2 “Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him.” NKJV
Life Lesson: We should seek to comfort others.
One of the great joys of being a Christian is bringing comfort to others. Sometimes though, it feels like the weeds of our own bad decisions choke out our ability to do so. Sure, we must deal with earthly consequences of our sins, but that in no way prohibits us from being able to show God’s peace to others. In the throes of our own pain, we are comforted with God’s words saying:
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” NKJV
Because of our past experiences, we are uniquely qualified to minister to others. According to the Bible, God has specific plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10). Our Father God carries the title of “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). He is training us to be comfort for others.
2 Corinthians 1:4 “…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.” NKJV
So friend, don’t count yourself out of ministry because of your mistakes or your past. The same merciful embrace God gave you in your day of distress could become the hug you share with others in their day.
Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the grace You give me. Lord, I don’t want to play tug-of-war with You. Help me not to carry around the wounding of my past, but to lay them down at Your feet. Lord, I want to extend the same grace You have given me, to others. I need You. Please work in my life and in my heart. I surrender it ALL to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880
5 Responses to “(Not) A Shipwreck”
November 20th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I thank God for His ability to take the things that I mess up and use them for His good purposes … in my life and in the lives of others. It’s ultra-dynamic and beyond my own understanding yet it happens … I don’t have to understand all the ins and outs of it … just that it happens. Praise God!
November 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
this certainly adds some perspective to moments that we dont understand. i’m more blessed how i ponder this working in my life looking back, and i’m encouraged, challenged, blessed, to think of the uncertain trials and tribulations as an opportunity that the Lord WILL use for His own glory! thanks Lord for this word!
November 21st, 2009 at 7:06 pm
People have offered me a lot of stuff to make me better, but nothing compares to the forgiveness of GOD and passing it on to others. A very encouraging Word today!
November 21st, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I also see this as an indication that no matter what the outcome is, we should always be willing to help or comfort others when we see a need. Because we are equipped with past experiences and the ability to count on God to take us through a tough time, we can encourage and help others through their hardships. Whether they are believers or not, we can show that we have a God who has a mighty outstretched arm that carries anyone who asks Him. It’s almost like they see it as a friend who has friends in high places. We have a Friend who is the maker of high places!
November 27th, 2009 at 2:28 am
I am thankful for God’s Grace. When I discovered the depths of His Grace for me and the things Ive done… when others wrong me, it is impossible for me not to forgive them. I am thankful for the my past experiences and am comforted in knowing He has uniquely qualified me to minister to others in many ways. I am humbled that He would choose me. He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. The called are the ones who answer.