Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 100

April 9;       2 Corinthians 7:6;        156/260;         ‘Comfort the Downcast’

2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

Paul, because of the call of God on his life and because of his determination to fulfill the will of the Lord, regardless of the circumstances, was in Macedonia.  Verse 5 tells us that Paul had no rest, he was troubled on every side, he was also dealing with conflicts and fears.  As a Christian, especially if you are zealous for the work of the ministry, there will be many periods of adversity and persecution.  There has to be since what we do is of eternal importance and our adversary, satan, tries to stop us.  How important it is, in times of adversity, that the Lord will send a fellow believer to comfort and encourage you.  Galatians 6:10 teaches that as we have opportunity, do good to everyone, especially other Christians.  So often when you are doing the work of the ministry and challenges come, it is easy to think that you are the only one facing difficult times.  In the case of Paul, Titus was a fellow minister and this verse tells us that he comforted Paul, probably sharing similar circumstances he has faced doing the work of the Lord.  The verbal comfort, reminding Paul of biblical truths concerning the challenges ministry brings and the assurance of the help and protection of the Lord.  Paul had a no quit attitude, so he had to be facing severe opposition.  Titus was a very strong Pastor, sent to the island of Crete by Paul, to reign in and teach a rebellious people.  We, the Body of Christ need each other, not only if you are a minister, but all of us. Love, concern and kindness shared, does wonders and helps us continue strong.