2 Corinthians 7:5-7
For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
Tag: Believer Encourages Believer
In the above text Paul is telling the church at Corinth that there was a time he was in much affliction (yes, the great apostle Paul in affliction). He was working so hard for Christ and had so much fighting from those around him, he was in the place where discouragement could slip into his life (yes, the great apostle Paul was in a place were he as "downcasts" ... Elijah, Moses and King David were in the same place at one time or another ... great men of faith). But, God "who comforts the downcast" sent Titus to encourage him. Think of that, God promises comfort to those who are downcast. But God does not remove our trials or discomfort circumstances, but rather sent a fellow believer to carry the load for awhile. This does not show weakness on Paul's account. This shows he is a child of God like the rest of us and needs others believers in his life to encourage him and assist in carrying the load. When we are downcast we tend to want to withdraw. However, this text shows us how God works. God is the God of all Comfort ... but that comfort might be supplied by another believer simply coming along side to lift the burden and share, in love, the mission. God encourages us through the members of the body.
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