2 Corinthians 1:3-5

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”

There are a lot of hurting people out there!  By “out there” I mean around the world. I never dreamed I would be in a position to have a worldwide ministry that circles the globe. I am the same guy who delights in a small group of four or five studying God’s precious Word.

So why such an increase? It was certainly not my intention. Back in September of 2000 I started with a handful of subscribers. Friends told friends (they still do) and gradually the subscriber base includes readers around the world. I just checked on Friday afternoon and was shocked to discover that I have sent out 2,556 Daily-E-Votionals.

I share these details with you to let you know that this is God’s work, not mine. Day by day I pray and meditate about what to write. Without the Lord’s help I would have run dry long ago. (There is nothing worse than a dry preacher!)

Back to today’s subject—“HURTING!” I receive many e-mail messages that reveal that God’s people are hurting. It may be the loss of work, financial havoc, an upsetting medical diagnosis, death of a loved one, divorce, false accusations or persecution for being a Christian. 

It is very important that we take time to listen to people as they pour out their heart. It is not necessary to answer immediately—that is often the worst thing we can do. James 1:19 says that we are to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” It is during this quietness of listening that we can pray and seek God’s guidance.

As today’s Scripture says, it is the Lord who brings us the comfort we need. When He does comfort us and lift us up, we should take note of what He has done for us and be ready to comfort others who are in the pressure cooker of life.

If you are hurting right now, I want you to know that God loves you and He will not allow you to endure more than you are able to bear. Spend time in His Word and search out the many precious promises He gives for our times of turmoil.

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- – - Pastor Cecil