The only way God can comfort me is if I deny myself of the things that I substitute for God’s relationship…those sinful and worldly desires of mine. Do you know what entices you away from God? It could be the very thing that is also your unique opportunity to worship and sacrifice to God and His opportunity to comfort you.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
As I have meditated on these two words patient, endurance; I realize I need to be patient during all my troubles and trials and daily keep going to God for my comfort.
The only way God can comfort me is if I deny myself of the things I substitute for God’s relationship… such as all those sinful and worldly desires. Have you ever had something in your life you must deny from yourself? Do you know what entices you away from God? I know what mine is. The main thorn in my side is my food and sugar addiction. This is where I look for comfort when I do not look toward God. What looks to be comfort is the very thing that robs me of my joy and takes me away from God!
If someone said, “Here take this pill. It will make you feel good for the moment but the side effects are the following: feeling rejected, ugly, unworthy, self loathing, guilty, repulsive, fearful, shameful, and depressed. After taking it, you will wish you could isolate yourself and be invisible in a crowd.” Who would impulsively take it? Why would you want to take it? This is what my food addiction does. It promises a quick fix for avoiding temporary feelings but the side effects are forever damaging.
I know that when I grab food that is not good for my body or eat when I am not hungry it steals a moment I could have had with God. It takes that intimate moment of weakness away from an opportunity for God to encourage me and lift me up. By not turning to God, I take control and I want to fix myself but that is in reality so self defeating. Not only do I not go to God but I am left feeling guilty and ashamed. I must realize I have given the enemy another obstacle he can use against me.
Patient endurance of suffering is very daily. Eating is very daily. Relying on God for comfort is very daily. Each day provides opportunities to rely on or deny God’s comfort.
God never said he would take all pain and troubles away from his children, but said he would comfort us while we endure trials of many kinds. He also wants to equip us to be able to comfort others when we have seen the power of God’s strength in our lives.
I am fulfilling the purpose that is uniquely mine to fulfill when I face the discomfort in denying myself and go to God to provide for my needs. I don’t know the impact of my journey on those who see my life. This victory might be what brings someone to know God more intimately as well as bring comfort to me. Small as it seems to some, it is a great battle for others. Those who understand are the ones who know God is the power behind the victory over our false Gods of comfort.
Jesus was the perfect example about how to go to God with all his discomfort! What do you think it was like the day God tapped Jesus on the shoulder and said, “Son it’s time.” When God said, “It’s time for the Cross,” I wonder what thoughts Jesus had? We do know that Jesus wanted His father to take away His cup! We do know Jesus prayed 3 times for His father to change his mind! Jesus suffered discomfort in every form, mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually when separated for a brief time from His father. Yet he trusted God enough to do His will instead of giving in to his own desire for comfort.
Jesus also knew that his father had bigger plans than His own discomfort and fear. Jesus was here to fulfill a purpose that was uniquely his to fulfill. His sacrifice brings strength and purpose to those moment by moment sacrifices that are uniquely mine.
Romans 12: 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way [your unique way] to worship him. [NLT]