November 15 - The Comfort Connection

 Read today’s texts first: Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The most dangerous times in our lives
are when everything is going right.

God comforts us so we can comfort others with the same kind of care (1:4).  It is fascinating to read Paul’s explanation of the benefits of suffering right after I finished reading Job’s story.  Obviously, Job’s “comforters” didn’t understand the concept and God pointed that out: “you have not spoken of me what is right” (42:7).

I’ve lived most of my life trauma-free.  With the exception of my mom’s early departure from this world, dying of cancer when I was 13, things have gone very well for me and my family.  I think that may be why I’ve lacked the ability to empathize and show compassion toward those who face real challenges.  I tended to respond like Job’s friends when people shared their struggles with me.  That all changed when I faced the challenge of a year-long period of burn-out.  Suddenly I was able to notice and help so many other people with the same problem.  I also had the capacity to care for other hurting people as well, simply because I had experienced some suffering.  That’s why we are to share in Christ’s sufferings – so we can also share in His comfort, and pass that comforting touch on to others.

Paul went through some incredible challenges: shipwreck, snakebites, stoning, slander, false accusations, imprisonment and ultimately martyrdom.  And yet, Christ’s strength was made perfect in his weakness.  It’s the difficulties in life that keep us close to God.  The most dangerous times in our lives are when everything is going right.  That’s when human pride and self-sufficiency can begin to surface.

When I taught Spiritual Formation at PLBC I would explain to the students that the purpose of spiritual disciplines, like solitude, sacrifice, and fasting, is to defeat our own pride and increase our reliance on God.  The disciplines are a form of voluntary suffering to keep us close to God even when everything is going well!

“Lord, help me to stay close to you at all times, good or bad.  The joy that comes at the darkest times is always the most profound!  Lead me to others who need to know that joy so I can share mine with them.”