When our cupboards are full, a danger is that we get “comfortable” and start to think we can live without God. When our bank accounts are full, we don’t seem to pray as much, do we? But, when that cupboard becomes bare, or the bottom falls out of our 401(k), we pray.
But leaning on God brings consolation. Jesus told us to cast our burdens upon Him. God’s blessing upon His children is that when we are the most cast down, the most dejected, the most hopeless, He provides the most comfort, consolation and hope. He does this to help us persevere, that much is certainly true. But, there is another reason. He wants to give us the heart of His Son, Jesus Christ. He wants to equip us to have a heart that comforts, gives hope and consoles.
Want to see how God does this? Look at the story of Peter’s three denials of Christ. Jesus predicted Peter would do this in Luke in Luke 22, but watch carefully what He said in Luke 22:31-32:
“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Do you think headstrong Peter had a new heart for humility after denying Christ, but being received back through His grace? You bet Peter did? Do you think experiencing the love of the risen Lord changed Peter? Yes, it did.
Peter’s heart was molded by the trouble that he experienced in being challenged about his love for Christ, and in failing to acknowledge Christ as his Lord. His heart was humbled, then restored by the Lord. This is one of the reasons the Lord will let us experience hardships – so that we may strengthen others. If you are going through hardships tight now, pray that God would use them for His Glory – and use you as a comforter and consoler to those who are experiencing similar things.
God is the source of all hope and comfort. If you do not know Him, please allow us to share Him with you at Maple Grove!
Bro. Parks