Thoughts for another day 

Sept. 1, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 1:3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. (NRSV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In tribulation, when we turn to God, He provides us His consolation.  He frees our legs from the net and sets us free.  We're back on our feet by His consolation and ready to face the challenges of the future.   What do we then do to thank God for His comfort which He sent in our hour of need?  The best way we can show gratitude is to share the comfort He gave with others so they too will be comforted by the same comfort God provided us.

Some years ago, a friend of mine suffered from breast cancer.   From a vivacious, very healthy and cute girl with zest for life she transformed to literal skin and bones.  When I met her after a prophylactic mastectomy, I couldn't believe it was the same woman.  But somehow, even as I felt bad, she was still very positive about things.  Though she had suffered a lot, she still had the courage to put a brave front, leave alone her bald head and emaciated features.  Today, this girl is a guide for other women suffering from breast cancer.  She takes time out and talks about her own struggles, how she overcame and they're positively touched and ready to fight their cancer.  She not only is a sign of hope, but an inspiration too.  And that's exactly what Paul is telling us to do in our Scripture today; even more, for it is God who worked in our lives and it is God's work which we must proclaim.

When out of the depths, the Lord rescues me by His mercy, I mustn't hold His goodness, only within me.  I must go and tell the world about His love and mercy.  I have to be a beacon of hope in whom God worked and the light He provided me, I must hold it to others who're facing tribulations.  Remember, when the world learns about our God and His goodness and mercy, they will accept His Gospel and follow Him.  Jesus did good to the people and they saw His love and mercy and followed Him.  People like Zacchaeus and the adulterous woman about to be stoned to death, were touched by Him and became His disciples.  There're countless other people who're suffering and in pain; hence, it's but right that we take His love to them and tell them of His mercy.  They'll then learn of Jesus – the God who loves all and who died for all.