The Grands Letter (2 Cor/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on November 5, 2021 6:48 am (CST)Dear Grands,
2 Corinthians 1:3-6, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer…”
When we think of “comfort,” in all likelihood we’re thinking of a bed or a chair, perhaps a cool glass of water –something that brings ease and rest to our weary bodies. Yet, comfort can also mean encourgement. In those times when we’ve just “had enough.” Discouragement has overwhelmed us and we’d rather quit than seek solace from anyone. We’ve just had enough!
It is then that the Holy Spirit comes to our rescue, strengthening us mentally and fortifying us that we might “keep on keeping on.” Refreshed physically and mentally, we are then anxious to resume the challenge, but this time “in the strength of the LORD.”
Someone once said that “some people comfort the afflicted, while others just afflict the comforted.” In any event, we need to be ready for the LORD’s use of us in every situation. He often prepares us to assist others. Yes, there can be rejection! But He was rejected, yet He uttered from the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Are you ready to engage in His service? If not, you’re in need of His service. Either way, He stands ready and waiting for your call. Just one thing: He won’t wait forever for you to accept Him. “Behold, now is day of salvation” (2Cor 6:2).
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
