APRIL 8, 2 Corinthians 1:2-5

Are you troubled? Is there something or someone at home or in school who is causing problems for you or your family? The faith of the Christian should grow stronger in times of trials and trouble. Trials from God are good for us since they provide opportunities for us to get to know God better. In his epistle to the Colossians, Paul assured the Christians that he was praying for them on a regular basis, and included in his prayer list was the request that they might be “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Paul knew that one of the secrets to a full and blessed life is getting to know God better. The main source of the knowledge of God is His Word.

Times of trouble are very often times of silence. These can be precious moments of quietude when God speaks to us. If we do not set aside some time each day to be silent before God and do our Quiet Time, then He has His own way of setting aside some time for us. If we take advantage of these periods of quiet moments, we too can “increase in the knowledge of God”. Yes, dear friends, our time of trouble can be for each of us a time of getting to know God better. When Paul spoke of the God of all comfort, he was speaking of a personal experience of God. This was Paul’s personal testimony that in all his troubles, he was comforted by God. That comfort enabled him not only to endure his trials but also to receive special blessings through these troubles. Paul of course knows what trials, trouble and hardship are all about, for he suffered such severe trials in Asia that he even worried for his life!

Thought: “Do not be dismayed or discouraged. God is your “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please protect me and give me comfort and strength when I am troubled or sad. Please help me also to count the many blessings that I have received from You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.