"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE WEIGHED DOWN WITH TROUBLES"
NLT Version.
2nd Cor 1:6 So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church, and ( God's Word to us today ) in this verse, has to do with those times when we are weighed down with troubles. He is going to tell us some things that will help us and give us peace if we believe it, and take it to heart.
2. First, of all, there are times when we do get weighed down with troubles. These times come to each and everyone of us. You may be in that situation today, or you may know someone who is. Or you may be in this situation tomorrow. Jesus told us in the world we would have tribulation, and He knows what He is talking about.
Joh 16:33* “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
3. The phrase "weighed down with troubles" means, to be troubled, to be afflicted and distressed. These things come into our lives. But, this is not the end of the story as it were.
4. Please notice the purpose that is stated here when we are weighed down etc. The purpose has to do with the benefit and salvation of others. Here's how it works. When we are weighed down and troubled, then God comes and comforts us, so that we in turn can be an encouragement to others. This will help others to patiently endure the troubles they are going through.
5. Other people are going through similar troubles. They have their own misfortunes if you will, and their own calamities, just like You may have at this time.
6. Paul's hope for the Corinthians, (should I say God's hope for them and for us) is that as we share in the sufferings, we will also share in the comfort. Or to put it another way, that just like Paul did, we also will find comfort and encouragement from God. And, then we can pass that on to others.
7. God really does use us to help others. May I ask if you are weighed down today with troubles? Then, I pray that God will comfort you. Is He using someone to comfort you? Then let's thank God for using that person or persons. Do you know someone who is weighed down with trouble, then maybe God wants you to reach out to them, and help them, by sharing how God has helped you.
A prayer:
Father, You are the God of all comfort, and the God of mercies. Thank You for connecting us with Yourself through our faith in Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with You, we can come to You and find help and mercy in our times of need. We do that now, at this moment, not only for ourselves, but for any of our friends that may be going through a tough time. Lord, direct us today, to share and encourage. We love You Father. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
