Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

I read this scripture some days ago and I was blessed by what I understood from it. Thought it was worth sharing. You see there are some experiences we have in life from which we learn so much that we may have not learnt otherwise. We also receive comfort from God in a specific way. We may learn not to speak in a certain way, what it feels like to be treated in particular ways, or how it feels to be in some situations, etc.

I realised recently that God did not really understand man’s struggle with sin and life until He became a Man Himself. It was not until after Christ’s years on earth that He became our Intercessor. Before this, God simply saw a rebellious and unrighteous bunch of people. No wonder Jesus declared “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!” He finally understood.

Have you discovered lately how you are surrounded with some people who are passing through some of the things you have been through or those things that you are probably still going through but managing to stay on top? I believe it’s simple because no one else can help or understand these folks the way you can.

He’s teaches us so we may know and understand what it is to be a student. This way you are in a better position to help other students.  The days He’s wrapped His arms around you, its to prepare you to open your arms to someone else in future. Basically, the love we have received today is so we can show the same love to another in similar position.

He instructed the children of Israel to be kind and compassionate to strangers…” for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” Deut 10:19. So today, I’d like to challenge us to count our past and likely present blessings and grace received and to extend the same to one close-by who is deeply in need of some form of comfort.

– Arielle xx