More Room For Comfort
Thought For The Week 162 By Val Warsop
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, was a Baptist minister who lived during the19th century. A successful pastor of a London church, he is widely known as ‘the Prince of Preachers’. He wrote prolifically, and his work continues to inspire and bless believers everywhere. Recently I was captivated by some thoughts he shared on 2 Corinthians 1:5, “For just as (Messiah’s) sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through (Messiah) [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must]. [Amplified Bible]. Musing on this Spurgeon writes, “There is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales…” He goes on to paint a picture of Yahweh balancing those scales with our trials on one side and His own comfort on the other. Spurgeon knew a great deal about the difficulties of discipleship, and, from his own experience, was qualified to point out that when our trials are light, then Yahweh’s comforts are equally light; but when our problems are heavy then Yahweh’s comfort balances that weight: a blessed proportion, indeed!
Spurgeon continues, “It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is because trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper…” I was moved by this as I reflected on my own experience. I realised how trials and difficulties drove me to my knees, challenges and problems threw me into my Father’s arms; and I am never happier than when I feel close to Yahweh.
Are you in trouble today? The Psalmist wrote, “Out of the depths I cry to you,” [Psalm 130:1, NIV]. Cry to Him, and let Him ‘balance the scales’ for you. “There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul…” [C.H. Spurgeon]
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Rejoice, Rejoice, Oh Christian, Lift Up Your Voice And Sing Eternal Hallelujahs To [Yahshua the Messiah] The King! The Hope Of All Who Seek Him, The Help Of All Who Find, None Other Is So Loving, So Good And Kind.
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