Personal Devotional - Day 1

The Comfort of His Arms

Stuff Happens!

Don’t care how one plans or prepares there are always circumstances which we can’t control or which we don’t bother to control till it too late. We frequently find ourselves going through one of the many tests of life where we have to learn patience, endurance, grief, to forgive, to accept, etc.

Going through the tests of life are so uncomfortable. I know I’m going through one that is stretching me beyond belief. The only thing getting me through is, knowing that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle and He doesn’t leave you in the middle of your situation.

“ 56 "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.” – 1 Kings 8:56-58

God provides such comfort and grace when we go through tests. Through our experience we are then able to comfort others when they are going through their own trials and tribulations. In 1 Peter 2:21, we are reminded that times of testing are a part of our walk but our role model is Christ. The Apostle Paul also had to suffer discomforts and go through difficult times to bring forth the gospel. Paul explained that when you are comforted, it makes you able to withstand those times when you go through personal struggles.

I believe this is what the Apostle Paul was saying, that when he is comforted, he is able to give encouraging words to others in times of trouble. So when we see someone struggling with a problem we recently overcame, then our testimony to them on how we came out of it will provide comfort to them.

If you are struggling, remember, that the tests of life are designed to get us to a point where we realize that the only one who can help us is God. We call upon his mercies and his favour, we see demonstrations of his power and his love. It’s similar to having a savings account for a rainy day. You know the rainy day is going to come and when it does, you pull out the extra money saved. We may be the ones that others look to for comfort during their “rainy” days.

For us that extra money is our relationship with God and a bank of experience and sure knowledge that God is faithful and will see us through.

We encourage our own selves and build our own faith by recounting his goodness in our lives. Then we can turn around and recount those testimonies to strengthen other in their times of need.

Submitted to Strength 2 Strength By:

Kimberly, New Jersey, USA