Continuing On

There are so many comforting words in the Bible.  To be certain, there are times of testing.  Yet, as Nahum asserted in Nahum 1:3b (CEV)  “He can be seen in storms and in whirlwinds.”

I would encourage that as we are consoled for us to be as consolers.   2 Corinthians states “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.  He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.

In some of the spiritual reading I did long ago as a teenage boy, I read the words, “Go On, Go On. There is an eternity to rest in.” Those words of Harry Ironside have stayed with me ever since.

Paul Little was killed in a car wreck in 1975. He was a dynamic young Christian.  He was a splendid teacher, theological professor and an inter-varsity Christian fellowship leader.  Many asked, “why?”  Yet a few months later his wife displayed a wonderful attitude.  She even attended a Christian retreat manifesting a marvelous spirit as she shared her victory with wives of Christian leaders.  Instead of being comforted, she was comforting to the others.

Alexander Nowell once said, “God does not comfort us that we may be comforted but that we may be comforters.”  I have observed that those things that are sources of great pain and loss are the very sources of developing compassion and understanding.

Jesus himself knows how to console us because of the great tests upon His own life.  Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Let me lead us in prayer.   “Our loving wonderful amazing God, Satan has sought to wound and break the spirit of this dear friend through the self inflicted death of their dearly beloved.  Yet let this wounded heart be touched with compassion in the face of need.  Where others push little ones away, may we say permit the little ones to enter in.  Whether we see the aged or the infirmed, may our hearts be touched with tender caring.  Oh God you are higher than the spaces above us.  We love you, adore you and lift you up.  May our hearts be humbled and filled with compassion as you felt when you saw the hungry masses.  Amen.”

Just as I concluded these lines, a dear lady called. She is laden with trying tests.  Her husband is in a rest home.  Multiple Sclerosis has wrecked havoc upon him.  He had mysteriously borrowed money from a church member.  She said it was unnecessary and that she would repay it.  She as also troubled that only a few students had attended a noonday meal today provided by the ladies of her church to the Baptist Student Union by the students at the local college. Previously a goodly number were present.  Why the fall off in participation?  She was very troubled and concerned.  Yet before we hung up, she said, “let’s pray”.  She prayed for my family, the animals, the sick and everything her heart could imagine.

That’s the Spirit!! Continuing On!  Continuing On!