COMFORT: WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT!!

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:1 My mothers advice to me one day when we were talking about children and child rearing practices, Give them love when they deserve it the least. God sent His SON to this lowland of sin to reconcile us when we were least deserving and least prepared. The Roman writer recorded our condition when Love was extended to us in the form of Christ: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.2 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.3 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.4 We should not use the measure of whether those we help are deserving or not. God says in his word in James, Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.5 We must BOLO everyday for good and to live and show Christ, our example to the world. We are to Be On the Look Out constantly to let the world see a sermon in our living. Many times we get upset when we are ill or there are stresses in our lives because our friends, neighbors and physical and spiritual brothers and sisters do not reach out and comfort us. We cannot always assume that they know our condition. We cannot always assume that they know what to do. We cannot always assume that they feel comfortable with us because we have not shared before and there is no bridge of experience. We cannot assume that they feel and know that they have permission to enter our world. I believe that sometimes the best time to serve and minister to others is when they least expect it. Most of us do not expect when an individual is in the most stress that they will think about the needs of others. Christ being our example gave us three events that I want to share with you when HE thought of others in HIS distress. The first is recorded in John 8:59 -9:141. Jesus had been teaching and HIS message upset the rulers of the day. In the 59th verse of the 8th chapter it is recorded that they wanted to stone him and HE had to escape. As He was escaping HIS enemies, HE saw a blind man who was in need. The blind man did not ask for his
1 Peter 2: 21 Romans 5:6 3 Romans 5: 8 4 Romans 5: 10 5 James 4:17
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assistance, but even though HE was in haste, HE stopped and healed him. Jesus, at all times, was on the look out to do good and glorify his Father. The other example of Jesus concern for others, when one would least expect it, was when HE was in deep pain and agony on the cross. In Lukes account of the crucifixion in the 23rd chapter, we see Jesus concern for those who was responsible for putting him on the cross, those in HIS presence at the moment of crucifixion. We need to also remember that our sins put HIM there and HE hanging there in our stead. This gave all an opportunity to be at comfort in God sight and presence. Verse 34 reads Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. In verse 43 we see HE listened to and was concerned for the thief on his right. Jesus knew the importance of our soul and was a soul winner for HIS Father. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Finally, in Johns account of Jesus actions while he hung on the cross showed HIS concern for HIS mother and her well-being. John 19: 26-27 reads When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. I find this all marvelous and encouraging. What and when is one of the times I can be most like Jesus? When I look to provide comfort to others, when they least expect it from me, during my stress and distress. We learn to be comforted and we learn how to comfort through practicing Christs example. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.6 We are Gods hands, eyes, feet and voices that will be used to comfort others. Comfort is placed in earthen vessels and we may be required to move out of our comfort zones to learn to comfort and to be comforted. If you are hurting please let me comfort you, even though I may be hurting too. You must give me the opportunity to serve and to learn how to comfort. Please do not deny me my Christian and Christlike response to fellowship, that of being a comforter. I was told of a situation where a Christian was dying of cancer. I am told that he had a greater impact and converted more people during his illness than ever before in his life. Everyone was impressed with how he suffered and with his outreach to others. They just had to ask him how he could do what he was doing and about his attitude. He was then given the ideal forum to tell them about Jesus. He was on the look out. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.7 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.8 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.9 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
1 Corinthians 1:3-4 1 Thessalonians 4:18 8 Romans 15:4 9 Matthew 5:4
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me.10 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?11
by Harry Singletary, Tallahassee, FL

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Psalm 23:4 Romans 8:31