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| Comforted to be a Comforter |
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Greetings!
I have little to offer the world except that which God has provided me. All else is rubbish in light of eternal worth and substance. Think of it, wit, humor and the ability to converse or write is nothing unless it is infused with God's wisdom. The drivel of the world really matters not except for a fleeting moment. Ah, but God's touch upon something makes it eternally worthy.
I had an awakening on my last trip to Tanzania. It came on a sunny African day sitting in a meeting in a dirt office composed of four chairs and an amazing woman that sacrifices for others benefit. The meeting was with Mama Teddi, the orphan house mother of 25 Tanzanian orphans. Teddi, as I have written about previously, has HIV/AIDS yet still pours forth love and service in God's strength.
As we sat in the meeting, I pondered our assistance and support. I desire to be a good steward so I asked Teddi if this home was a faith or secular endeavor. Teddi looked up and stated, "I pray for food and supplies daily ... If they don't come we don't eat"! How is that for faith! I had no further questions about faith.
At the end of our time together, and after listening to Teddi's amazing testimony, I knew that she was perfect for the ministry. Teddi provides something to the children that God provided to her. She was not operating from a college degree or relevant experience. No, she operated from the first hand experience of love, grace and mercy God poured forth upon her life. Now, she is, in turn, providing it to others. |
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A Ministry of Reflection and Action
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ~ |
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| Use what you have been given ~ Blessed to be a blessing!
When Jesus sent forth the disciples He provided detailed instructions,
"7 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:7-8)
We, as followers of Christ and called disciples, are to do the same today. We are to freely give what has been provided to us by Christ. Today, we are speaking about the receiving and giving of comfort.
God is the comforter. God is the only One who can comfort a grieving parent, console a widow or make sense to a child suffering from abuse and neglect. God comforts ... that is His job and His title. Nonetheless, He often uses you or I to do the comforting.
My Pastor lost his father years ago. Up until that time he consoled many families that suffered a loss. Yet, it was only when his father died that he really knew the depth of the pain, hurt and loss. Now, he comforts from the comfort which God provided and he has much greater empathy and connection as he has walked in those shoes. Our life is much the same.
Do you need comfort? Turn to God. He is there for you. Realize that He may use one of His kids to complete the work. Be open to what God is doing and who He may send. Your comfort is on the way so be encouraged and take heart!
Lastly, is there someone you need to comfort? Is someone in your sphere of influence in need? Look around and look through God's eyes at those in your sphere. Is God leading you to comfort from that comfort He once provided you?
Comfort ... something we all need and something we all can give. Seek God's face today and daily for His comfort and then release that which has been freely given to a needy soul God has upon your path. Complete His work and fulfill yours!
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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